Players wrap up historic 2026 Ada golf season

By Cort Reynolds

BOWLING GREEN __Two Ada High School boys competed in the Div. III Northwest district tournament at Stone Ridge Golf Club on Thursday, Oct. 1 in Bowling Green.

Bulldog senior Brody Rister finished in a four-way tie for 66th place in the very tough field of 108 golfers after carding a 47-44=91 round.

Sophomore Arden Shook ended up in a three-way tie for 82nd after shooting a round of 46-49=95.

“The challenging links course at Bowling Green is the kind of venue where you really need to know the course well to score effectively,” said Ada second-year head coach Tod Schmidt. 

“We, unfortunately, were not very familiar with the course, and though it was in fine condition and the weather was pretty nice overall, we couldn't take advantage of many scoring opportunities,” he continued.

“This was Brody's final tournament representing Ada, and he will be remembered as one of the finest golfers in school history,” observed Schmidt. “And for Arden, playing at this level as just a sophomore is pretty unprecedented. His future on the team is very bright indeed.

“We have the returning players to be even better next year.”

The historic 2026 Ada golf season finally ended as first team All-BVC senior Rister and second team All-BVC linkster Shook were unable to advance. 

Only the top four individuals not on a qualifying team advanced to the state tournament, as well as the top four teams.

Ottawa Hills won the Div. III NW district team crown with 301 strokes. Pettisville came in second (313), followed by Kalida (318) and Ottoville (320).

Ottawa Hills senior Yale Feniger won the individual tournament title by firing a round of 38-35=73. OH senior teammate Walker Peterson was one stroke behind with a 39-35=74. The district champion Green Bears took three of the top four individual spots.