By Cort Reynolds

DELPHOS__The red-hot Ada High School boys golf team swept a triangular match at the Delphos Country Club on a very wet and inclement Wednesday, August 12.

After being rained out of Monday’s Bluffton Invitational, extremely wet, soggy conditions persisted and plagued this non-conference match. 

The Bulldogs decisively beat Delphos Jefferson 185-229, and drubbed Fort Jennings 185-206. FJ beat DJ, 206-229.

Ada improved to 19-2 with the victories.

Bulldog senior Brody Rister earned match medalist honors by firing a round of 41.

Sophomore Arden Shook took second as he carded a 42. Bulldog Case Vieira finished fourth after posting a round of 45.

“These are simply remarkable scores considering the conditions the players endured,” said Bulldog second-year head coach Tod Schmidt. “This match was a test of mental fortitude as much as golfing skill. 

“Due to the very significant flooding of the last few days, we were unable to warm up prior to the match, had several lightning and storm delays, and many of the greens were completely flooded,” he observed. 

“Our first four golfers finished in driving wind and rain; our last two were forced to stop before finishing,” the coach continued. “Normally, the best four scores out of six players are used, but today we had to simply record the only four scores that were complete. 

“In the end the team was very wet and cold, but happy with the win,” Schmidt added.

Ada senior Lawson Klingler contributed a round of 57 as the fourth scorer.

Bulldogs Brooklyn Rister and Gavin Guyton were not able to finish due to the very wet and rainy conditions.

Connor Leis of Fort Jennings came in third after registering a 44. Austyn Omduff led DJ with a round of 45 to finish fifth overall.

Ada plays Shawnee Thursday at 12:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The Bulldogs then compete in the second of three Blanchard Valley Conference tournaments on Monday morning, August 17 at Sycamore Hills in Fremont.

“This will be a good opportunity to measure our progress against the whole league,” said the coach. “We are demonstrating we can compete at a high level, and continue to improve.”