WAUSEON – For what is believed to be the first time in school history, the North Central Eagles claimed the 2012 Sectional Golf Championship on September 27th at Ironwood Golf Course. The Eagles battled the other 12 teams and windy playing conditions to finish with a team score of 335 to claim the title. The Buckeye Border Conference was well represented once again as the Stryker Panthers finished second with a 344. For the second consecutive year both teams advance to the District Tournament on October 4th at Stone Ridge Country Club in Bowling Green.
Branden Turner led the way for North Central capturing medalist honors with a round of 78. Kole Peterson shot an 85, while Dylan Hutchison and Clayton VanDeVoorde covered the course in 86 strokes. Cameron Cochran closed out the scoring for the Eagles with an 87. With the win North Central improves to an impressive 88-8 record overall.
Stryker sophomore Tanner Clingaman continued his season success by firing a 79. Hunter Clingaman was close behind with an 82, while freshman Chad Ruffer shot an 86. Nick Fox and Nathan Yoder shot 97 and 103 respectively for the Panthers.
Edon’s Taylor Schwartz had a very good day by shooting an 84 which left him tied for the last individual qualifying spot. Unfortunately Schwartz was defeated on the first playoff hole by Landon Grim of Holgate and did not advance to the District Tourney.
North Central Head Coach Joel Boothman was extremely pleased with the title. “These young men worked very hard for this. After finishing second last year they wanted to win this year. They spent a lot of time this summer working on their game to make sure they achieved their goal of a Sectional Championship. The funny thing is that we were all excited last year just to qualify. This year although we won and are very pleased, we know we have to continue to work hard this coming week and improve in order to achieve our goal of making it to the State tournament. It has been quite a ride. The boys just need to continue to relax and have fun. If they do good things will happen next week.”
Several other area teams competed in the tournament as well. Edon finished in 7th with a 375. Montpelier was 8th by finishing with a 381, while Fayette was 10th with a 384 and Hilltop 12th at 400.
North Central – 335
Branden Turner – 78, Kole Peterson – 85, Clayton VanDeVoorde – 86,
Dylan Hutchison – 86, Cameron Cochran – 87
Stryker – 344
Tanner Clingaman – 79, Hunter Clingaman – 82, Chad Ruffer – 86,
Nick Fox – 97, Nathan Yoder – 103
Edon – 375
Taylor Schwartz – 84, Alex Kirkingburg – 92, Shane Carter – 99,
Clay Parrish – 100, Chandler Siebenaler – 105
Montpelier – 381
Hunter Shaull – 88, Sam Rings – 96, Blaine Thorp – 97,
Zack Murray – 100, Clay O’ Neal – 101
Fayette – 384
Dustin Lantz – 91, Zayne Colegrove – 95, Riley Martin – 97,
Michael Brubaker – 101, Alec Hylander – 108
Hilltop – 400
Isaac VanArsdalen – 93, Jesse Westfall – 100, Matthew Schmitt – 103,
Trevor Shipman – 104, Travis Haynes – 128
