BOWLING GREEN – As been the trend for the past several years, the area was well represented at the Division III Boys District Golf Tournament held at Stone Ridge Country Club in Bowling Green on October 2nd.
The Stryker Panthers, fresh off a regular season that included an undefeated Buckeye Border Conference Championship, as well as a Sectional Title, had high hopes of returning to the State Tournament for the first time since 2011. Although putting up a valiant effort, the Panthers dreams of a trip to Columbus fell short as the group finished in 10th place overall in the field of 18 squads after ending with a team score of 348. Tanner Clingaman led the way for Stryker as he fired a 79. The score, which was good enough for ninth place overall, was just one stroke shy of allowing the senior to make a return trip to the State Tourney. Chad Ruffer was next for the Panthers as he ended the round in 87 swings. Hayden Clingaman and Austin Frisbee posted scores of 91, while Cody Hall closed out his high school golf career with a 95.
Making an appearance at the District Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, the North Central Eagles were once again denied in their quest for the school’s initial trip to the OHSAA Division III State Golf Tournament. Sophomore David Pinc carded the low score for North Central with a 88, while classmate Brock Zuver finished with a 94. Senior Jordan Reeves and Junior Dakota Pitts had rounds of 97, while Brady Zuver had an even 100 in his final high school golf match. The Eagles finished 17th overall with a score of 376.
One other area golfer competed individually. Montpelier’s Hunter Shaull, who made his second consecutive trip to Districts shot a 91 in his final high school golf contest.
Unfortunately for the local contingents, the District they participate in is arguably the toughest in the State having yielded last season’s State Champions. The trend repeated itself this year as the same four teams are once again advancing to the state championships that will be held at North Star Golf Club in Sunbury on October 10 and 11.
1. Ottawa Hills – 311, 2. Ashland Crestview – 322, 3. Van Buren – 325, 4. Lima Central Catholic – 327, 5. Minster – 329, 6. Kalida – 331, 7. Ayersville – 342, 8. Arlington – 343, 9. Sandusky St. Mary’s Catholic – 344, 10. Stryker – 348, 11. New London – 356, 12. Cardinal Strich – 357, 13. Tiffin Mohawk – 361, 14. Allen East – 364, 15. Wayne Trace – 370, 16. McComb – 375, 17. North Central – 376, 18. Patrick Henry – 385.