OHSAA boys golf: Olentangy Liberty comes up short in bid for Division I state title

Posted by Admin October 16, 2024 Golf

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KETTERING – Holding a three-shot lead to begin the final round of the Division I state tournament, the Olentangy Liberty boys golf team fell short of winning its first title Tuesday at NCR Country Club’s South Course.

The Patriots, who led Akron Hoban 292-295 after Monday’s opening round, finished second to the Knights by 17 shots, 595-612.

“We had a rough start today,” Liberty coach Ryan Snivley said. “It was tough conditions. The weather was brutal – cold and wet. I feel like we were focused when we started. The mantra for the weekend was stay patient, and I think we got a little down on ourselves. Heads were hanging. When the sun came out, we hung tight to hang on to second. It was overall a good tournament.”

Liberty also was state runner-up in 2017.

Jackson Harris led the Patriots, carding a 149 to tie for ninth. Noah Andry (150, tied for 11th), Noah Mulford (153, 17th), Mitchell Corbin (160, tied for 33rd) and Trevor Leeds (174, 62nd) also competed.

Dublin Jerome finished fourth (622) under first-year coach Brad Sparling. The Celtics were seeking their 10th state title, but first since 2019.

“We’re disappointed with our performance,” Sparling said. “Obviously, (the goal) is to win a state championship, but the overall experience this year was awesome. We were focused on trying to change the culture and we definitely did that. Team bonding was awesome. We have a young team, a lot of really good players coming up. Jerome is back and we’re going to play well going forward.”

Zach Radtke led the Celtics, tying Upper Arlington’s Bric Baird for sixth (146). Brady Barnum (157, 24th), Evan Menges (158, tied for 25th), Conor Hickey (162, 38th) and Blake Hartman (163, tied for 39th) also competed for Jerome.

Thomas Worthington, which competed in its first state tournament since 1997, finished sixth (635).

“It’s something that we’ve talked about and dreamt about, but to put it into reality is something really awesome,” coach Neil Bittel said. “We’ve come up short at sectional and to make it to district was a great step, but to even make it to state is such an accomplishment for all the kids as individuals and our program as a whole, and just awesome for our community, too.”

Thomas senior Jack Flores, an Ohio University commit, was central Ohio’s top individual finisher, tying for third (145) in his first state tournament.

“There’s nothing to complain about,” Flores said. “It was fun to be in it. I told (Bittel) at the start of the week that I wanted to be in it on the back nine on the second day and I was. I couldn’t get it done, but I’m excited about how I competed and there’s lots to build from.”

Jack Marsh (150, tied for 11th), Owen White and Johnny Connell (both 170, tied for 51st) and Chris Marsh (183, 67th) also played for the Cardinals.

New Albany’s Alexander Ritter finished eighth (147), and Olentangy’s John McClelland carded a 158 (tied for 25th).

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