By Cort Reynolds

FINDLAY__The Ada High School boys golf team competed well in the 12-team Div. III sectional tournament at Sycamore Springs Golf Course in Findlay on Thursday, September 25.

The Bulldogs finished ninth with 382 strokes. Powerhouse BVC champion Van Buren easily won the sectional title at 314 strokes. New Riegel finished a distant second (338), followed by Carey (354).

Only the top three teams and three individuals from non-qualifying teams advance to the district tournament next week.

“Our team finished with our best score of the season,“ said first-year Ada head coach Tod Schmidt. “Our players’ solid performance was a great way to end our season, and leaves us eager to improve during our off-season.

“We are well-positioned to be much better next season with a very strong returning core,” he continued.

Ada junior Brody Rister shot an 18-hole round of 45-42=87 to pace the Bulldogs. He finished 13th in the field of 60 golfers and missed district qualification by only two strokes.

Junior Lawson Klingler placed second for Ada with a score of 51-45=96 to finish in a tie for 32nd place. Junior Gavin Guyton posted a round of 50-49=99 to end up 39th. 

“Gavin shot his personal-best for 18 holes,” Schmidt noted.

Freshman Arden Shook finished 42nd after carding a 49-51=100. Senior Sam Crawford added a 49-55=104 to tie for 47th.

“In his last-ever round at Ada, Sam had his career-best nine and 18-hole scores,” the coach pointed out.

The Bulldogs finished ahead of Hopewell-Loudon (389), North Baltimore (392) and Hardin Northern (443).

VB’s Ben Heitkamp won the sectional tournament title by firing a round of 73.

“We bid farewell to seniors Sam Crawford and Slade Gossman,” Schmidt said. “Both contributed to making us a better team in a variety of ways. 

“I would also like to thank the athletic director, school faculty, assistant head coach Klingler, the athletic boosters, bus drivers and especially the fantastic parents who came out and supported the players and coaching staff,” he offered.

“Last but not least, Colonial Golfers Club was a wonderful and gracious host as our home venue,” he continued. “I encourage anyone interested to consider joining the team next year.

“You don’t need to be a pro–this is a great way to learn a life-long sport,” he summed up. “I am looking forward to next year, and go Bulldogs,” he enthused.