By Cort Reynolds
ADA - The continued rebuilding of the Ada boys golf program will be led by three seniors and a solid group of returnees as the Bulldog linksters shoot for improvement in 2018.
Sixth-year head coach Jason Campbell has six experienced lettermen back, including three fourth-year players, to help comprise a solid eight-man roster.
Seniors Austin Amburgey, Rob Allison and Jake Colwell are the most veteran returnees.
"The three senior fourth-year lettermen have come a long way from their start to now," said Campbell. "They have been a fun group to coach. They work hard, are coachable, and have improved and grown as players and people."
But junior left-hander Alex Morgan is expected to be the top golfer, followed by Amburgey and sophomore Brevin Sizemore.
"Morgan's strengths are with the short irons, he is also good off the tee and his putting is strong," said Campbell of the two-time letterman.
"Sizemore has a good all-around game, and he hits the ball straight," said the coach.
Junior Ethan Hull is likely to hold down the number four spot, followed by Colwell and Allison.
Freshmen newcomers to the game, southpaw Dexter Woods III and Kamron Wilkerson, will play junior varsity.
"Those two will learn the game this season to get experience so they can fill the shoes of graduating seniors next season," said Campbell.
The Bulldogs finished ninth of nine squads in both Northwest Conference regular season play and the league tournament last fall.
"Our goal for the season is to average a 220-stroke team score," said the coach. "Everyone is trying to shave shots off their average to get down to a 220 cumulative score. We will be competitive if we can shoot in that 220 range.
"I think that goal is very achieveable," he added.
Spencerville (15-1) is the defending Northwest Conference regular season and tournament champion, and with the Harmon twins back, Campbell feels the Bearcats are again the overwhelming favorite. Paulding was second and Lincolnview third last fall in NWC play.
"We hope to finish at the top of the bottom third of the league in the NWC standings," said Campbell. "Most of the teams in the league will shoot between 195 and 205."
Ada (1-25, 0-16 NWC) posted its lone win last year in a dual match over county foe Ridgemont, 247-259.
Once again the Bluffton Golf Course will serve as the Bulldog home course. The league meet is September 20 at the Auglaize Golf Course.
Ada golf at a glance
2017 record: 1-25, 0-16 NWC, 9th
Head coach: Jason Campbell, 6th year
Lettermen back: 6
Top returnees: Jr. Alex Morgan, Sr. Austin Amburgey, So. Brevin Sizemore, Jr. Ethan Hull, Sr. Rob Allison, Sr. Jacob Colwell
Newcomers: Fr. Dexter Woods, Fr. Kamron Wilkerson
