Warren JFK golfers returning to state

Ryan Fowler shoots 74 to earn medalist honors

Staff report

Alliance

Warren JFK’s boys golf team beat out Columbiana by six strokes to take the top spot in the Division III district tournament Wednesday at Tannerhauf Golf Club.

The Eagles were led by Ryan Fowler, who shot a round of 74 and earned medalist honors.

“I hit the ball straight today,” Fowler said. “And I kept making pars, which was good.”

Head coach Jim St. George was pleased with his team’s display.

“I thought our kids played outstanding today,” St. George said. “I knew we would be in the top three.”

St. George was not surprised with Fowler’s score.

“He’s on a hot streak,” St. George said. “I think the last three rounds he’s had have been 68, 67 and 68. I knew he had a good chance (to medal).”

Junior Zach Shoaf was second on the Eagles with an 82.

“Zach really stepped up today which was great for us,” St. George said.

The Eagles shot 326 as a team. Columbiana finished with 332.

Jared Wilson’s 78 led the Clippers, who also qualified for the state team tournament.

“I knew it was going to be a battle with Ryan against Jared [Wilson],” St. George said. “[Wilson] is a very good player, but I think Ryan is by far the best golfer in the area.”

Fowler was up to the challenge.

“I was able to stay in front of him with my pars,” Fowler said.

Columbiana’s other golfers included Joe Lucci (83), Bruce Wiggins (84), Griffin Williams (87) and Mike Vargo (112).

Individually, Western Reserve’s Nolan Snyder qualified for state with a 77. The third medalist was Jacob Harrah, of Newton Falls, also shooting a 77.

Sean Croell added an 81 for Newton Falls, helping the Tigers to a third-place finish, shooting a 336.

Ryan Turnbull shot a 86 to lead South Range to a tie for seventh with Jackson-Milton, which was led by seniors Chance Proverbs and Nick Householder with scores of 87.

It rained during the practice rounds and St. George did not know how it was going to affect his team’s performance.

“I thought the course played pretty fair,” St. George said. “I thought it ended up being manageable.”

Warren JFK received solid rounds from senior Daniel LaPolla (84), sophomore Ryan Theis (86) and senior Caelan Phillips (93).

“It was really important that the whole team played well,” Fowler said.

The Eagles will be making their third consecutive trip to the state tournament.

“I am very excited, more so for the players than me,” St. George said. “I think the experience of making states before paid off. I’m glad the seniors get to go out like this.”

Fowler, a senior, has been a part of the two previous teams and believes the team shouldn’t put any pressure on itself.

“Everyone just needs to play their best,” Fowler said. “We made our goal as a team and we just need to have fun.”

The state tournament will be held at The NorthStar Golf Club in Sunbury on Oct. 10 starting at 9 a.m.