HIGH SCHOOL

Newark Catholic boys golf loses out in numbers game

Kurt Snyder
Reporter

GRANVILLE — Newark Catholic coach Thom McManus was not making excuses.

The Green Wave had the ability to play their way into the Division III state tournament. They just did not play well enough Tuesday at Denison Golf Club.

"We knew coming in we had to play well back there to have a good chance, and we just didn't," said McManus, whose team started on No. 10. "It really wasn't ball-striking. I thought we hit the ball well today. We had way too many putts. Every time I looked around (Fisher Catholic) was making putts and we weren't."

Still, the reality could not be ignored. Three state-caliber teams played in the district tournament Tuesday, and only one was left standing.

Fisher Catholic won the district title, shooting 306 with perennial power Wellington following at 313 and NC third at 316.

In 2014, all three teams qualified for the state tournament, but due to the splitting of previously combined district tournaments, the Central District received just one qualifying team. Defending state champion Columbus Academy was bumped up to Division II and did not qualify either.

"Myself and (Fisher Catholic coach Travis Saffell) talked about it all season long," McManus said. "We have seen the pressure on our kids coming down the stretch. He made the comment today that it's a shame that we weren't just out here enjoying the day knowing we are going to state because we both deserve to be there."

No NC player shot better than 40 on the back nine, and that was too much to overcome. Junior Nick Willis rallied to shoot 35 on the front nine and finish at 75.

Willis had four three-putts on his first nine and none on his second. He birdied Nos. 5 and 8.

"I told the kids yesterday that I thought it was going to take 306 or 308 to win," McManus said. "I hate being right, but it was just a feeling I had. High school golf has come a long way, and the Central District is phenomenal. It is a crime that we only get one out to the state. It's definitely where the best golf is played in the whole state."

Seniors Killian May and Dylan Byers each added 80s and classmate Ryan Simi an 81. Sophomore Will Price shot 90.

The Green Wave were unable to return to the state meet, but they did win the Licking County League title by one stroke ahead of Granville in September.

"It's definitely a great thing to take out of the season," Willis said. "It's something we will always remember."

Division II had the same setup Tuesday, and the top four teams were separated by three strokes led by Bexley's 310. Heath finished sixth at 347. Colin Hall and Isaac Parry each shot 85, Jacob Kennedy 86, Colin Armentrout 91 and Austin Sweitzer 96.

Playing as individuals, Johnstown's Dalton Hastings shot 78 and Northridge's Brandon Estep 81.

"It's brutal," Heath coach Mike Saalfield said. "You probably have three or four of the top 10 teams in the state and only one gets to go."

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt