Poland girls headed to state

Staff report

The Poland girls golf team qualified for the Division II state tournament by finishing third out of eight teams on Tuesday at Canton’s Tam O’Shanter Golf Course.

The Bulldogs shot 387, following Independence (357) and Cloverleaf (364) in the district tournament.

“I still can’t believe it,” Poland head coach Joe Colella said. “I’m really looking forward to it, and I know the girls are because they put a lot of hard work into it.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

In other golf news, Columbiana’s Jared Wilson has been named to the Transamerica Scholastic Junior All-American team.

GIRLS

The top three teams and top three individuals not on qualifying teams earn trips to Columbus.

Poland features just one senior, Gina Ungaro. The others are three sophomores — Jenna Jacobson, Marlie McConnell and Elena Cammack — and freshman Carly Ungaro.

Jacobson shot 46-48—94 to lead the Bulldogs. McConnell shot a 95 and Gina Ungaro a 96.

Colella said he didn’t quite expect this with such a young team.

“I thought we could make a little bit of a run but we’re relatively young,” Colella said. “The work ethic of these girls is unbelievable. They’re out a lot on their own.”

Colella said the Bulldogs were loose and having fun during their district appearance and the coach hopes that relaxed style shows up in Columbusl.

“They were having some fun and were laid back,” Colella said. “I notice when they play loose we play well. We’re going to try to do the same thing next week.”

Columbiana finished fifth with 395 and Lakeview finished eighth with 415.

Ursuline’s Sydney Heinbaugh missed qualifying for state as an individual by a single stroke while Emily Hoehler of Mathews missed by two strokes.

Boys

In the Division II district competition at Windmill Lakes in Ravenna, Cardinal Mooney missed out on a trip to state by two strokes, finishing just behind third-place Padua Franciscan (322). Notre Dame Cathedral Latin won with 308, followed by Gilmour Academy (319).

Mooney junior Rebell Strollo nearly qualified as an individual but lost out during a four-way playoff for the final ticket to Columbus. He shot a 76.

South Range’s Tom Roux finished one stroke back of that group of four, also just missing out on a trip to state.

Ursuline’s boys finished seventh and Lakeview finished 10th to end their seasons.

At the Division I boys sectional tournament at Tannenhauf at Alliance, Boardman advanced to the district tournament with a round of 306, trailing first-place Green by two strokes.

The top four teams and top four individuals not on qualifying teams earn district berths.

Junior Brian Terlesky had the second-best round of the tournament (74). Cade Kreps shot 75, Bobby Jonda 78 and Cole Christman 79.

Canfield’s Dylan Todd shot an 80 and missed qualifying by one stroke.

Poland finished ninth, Canfield finished 11th, Austintown-Fitch finished 13, Niles finished 14th, Howland finished 15th and Warren Harding finished 18th with no individuals qualifying for the district tournament.

special honor

Wilson is one of 12 male and 12 female golfers from across the country named to the Transamerica Scholastic Junior All-American team for accomplishments on the course as well as in the classroom and in their communities.

Wilson is a junior at Columbiana Exempted Village High School, and has a 3.96 GPA, and scored a 35 on the ACT.

He also serves on Student Council and is a math tutor. He is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team.

“Jared is an amazing young man for his dedication to his sport, but also for his hard work in the classroom,” Columbiana Superintendent Don Mook said.

“It’s both exciting and gratifying to see such a student excel, and be recognized nationally for his efforts.”

Wilson will be honored at the Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet on Nov. 20 at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

He is also eligible to participate in the Polo Golf Junior Classic from Nov. 19-25.