Sports

Golf Team Heads to States, Division 1 Champs

"Not only did our kids play great golf, but they beat some pretty good teams in doing so," said Coach Ken MIller.

Hinckley — It took two days to complete, but the Bulldog men's golf team is headed into the state tournament as District 1 Champions.

The Bulldogs won its first-ever District Golf Championship and set a new tournament record of 297 in the process. This is the team's third consecutive trip to the state golf championship at the Scarlet Course in Columbus. 

"This is truly unbelievable," said Bulldog Head Coach Ken Miller. "Not only did our kids play great golf, but they beat some pretty good teams in doing so."

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Play was suspended the first day due to weather. Senior Eric Jovanovich was the only player to take a shot — a good one at that.

"His drive on the first hole was right down the middle of the fairway, but before he could hit his second shot, play was suspended," said Miller.

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Play started back up at 9 a.m. the next morning, but things were slow-going when all 20 teams returned to the course.

"There was much on the line. The top four teams would earn a spot in next week's state golf championship in Columbus," said Miller.

Senior Ryan Foster and Sophomore Ian Holt led the Bulldogs as they each fired a one over par 73.

"Ryan picked a great time to fire his career low," said Miller. "And Ian showed again why he is one of the best players in the district."

"This is awesome, but we've been playing well as a team lately," Holt told The Plain Dealer. "We've been pretty consistent all season, and we're all capable of going low. Ryan played well here in the practice rounds, so his score wasn't surprising, either."

Max DeCheco was one shot back of Foster and Holt at 74 and Brandon Nixon finished at 77. 

The Bulldog's score of 297 was 7 shots better than second place Walsh and third place St. Ignatius — both teams will join the Bulldogs in Columbus. Medina captured the fourth spot.

"I couldn't be prouder of or happier for these kids," said Mller. "They really played their hearts out and were rewarded for it." 


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