Academy, Wellington golfers eye state titles
The Columbus Academy and Wellington boys golf teams have thrived in pressure-packed environments before, so carrying the favorite role this weekend in the state championships should be nothing new.
With four of its top six players returning, Academy will attempt to defend its Division II title at Ohio State Scarlet Course. The Vikings, eight-time state champions, turned in the lowest qualifying score (304) in district competition.
"We’re of the mindset that if we just take care of our business, we’ve got a good chance to do well this weekend," Academy coach Craig Yakscoe said. "Of course, it’s impossible to not pay attention to your competition a little bit, but three of these boys played here last year and a fourth was our alternate. They’ve played in big tournaments all year and they know how to handle themselves."
Yakscoe saw this potential dynasty developing up to three years ago. His top four players are juniors and a fifth is a freshman.
"There were six to eight guys I had a close eye on in eighth grade and they’ve continued to develop," he said. "It’s a special group, no doubt about it."
No. 1 player Ali Khan, who won the district last year and tied for fourth at state, averages 72.3. Teammates Matthew Cammeyer, Kahmar Byers and Griffin Mitchell all are in the 78 range.
Khan is expected to challenge for the individual title. Among his top competition will be Bexley senior Trevor Binau, who grabbed the qualifying spot on the third hole of a four-way playoff in the district. Binau was state champion in 2016.
After eking out a Columbus Academy’s Ali Khan is back for another shot at the Division II title after finishing tied for fourth at state last year.
one-stroke victory over 2017 state champion Worthington Christian, Wellington enters as the favorite in the Division III tournament at North Star Golf Club near Sunbury. The Jaguars turned in the lowest district score of 295.
"The way the system is set up is unfortunate, and it makes for
a different level of pressure in the district with only one team advancing," Wellington coach Craig Mosier said. "Luckily, we’ve been through the ringer and came out the other side."
Wellington, arguably, was one of the two best teams in the state last year but lost by five strokes to Worthington
Christian in the district. The same starting five return with an eye on the big prize.
"We feel good about our chances," Mosier said. "The great thing about our team is that we’ve been very balanced. Every guy in our top four has been medalist and three of them have won major tournaments. Our No. 4 man was actually conference player of the year based on score average."
Senior Jack Doddy (74.1 average), sophomore Carsten Judge (74.35), junior Aiden Schumer (75.25) and junior Garrett Thesing (76.75) make up the big four.
Tyler Jones of Worthington Christian was the district medalist with a 68 and is considered one of the favorites. Jones tied for fifth last year as a junior.
Bloom-Carroll will represent central Ohio in the Division II girls event at OSU Gray. The Bulldogs won a tie-breaker against Worthington Christian to advance.
Johnstown senior Gabby Thomas, who shot a 71 to win the district by seven strokes, is the individual qualifier. She tied for eighth in 2017.