Columbiana’s Jared Wilson breaks tie for state title

October 16, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

Clippers’ junior breaks tie for title

Tied for first place and with just 18 holes separating Columbiana’s Jared Wilson from a state title, the junior delivered.

The Clipper shot 71 on Saturday to become Columbiana’s first boys golf state champion, finishing with a total score of 142 in the Division III tournament, setting a new course record at NorthStar Golf Club in Sunbury.

“It’s really special. It’s something I’ve dreamed since I very young and early in the game of golf,” Wilson said. “To accomplish it is really special and exactly how I imagined it.”

Wilson was tied with Arlington’s Cole Thomas after both shot 71 on the first day. He ended up beating Thomas be six strokes, getting four birdies on day two.

“I knew he had a special moment in front of him and he likes to talk through things. He would run things by me and talk through some decisions,” Columbiana coach Jeff Jackson said. “Just seeing how difficult the course was playing, I had a pretty good idea long before he was done that he had a good chance of winning.”

The top two golfers weren’t paired together, so Wilson wasn’t aware of Thomas bogeying six times in the final round.

“I was just focused on my own game and I played really well today, Wilson said. “I hit a lot of balls on fairways and greens and just really set myself in position for a great round.”

Taking into account team play, it was a bittersweet day for the Clippers. Columbiana ended the first day tied for third place and despite Wilson’s victory, the Clippers slipped to eighth place.

Seth Ross (167), Griffin Williams (181) and Matthew Pinciaro (202) all shot higher than they did on day one. Nate Whitehead (217) improved on day one by seven strokes. Last year, Columbiana was the state runner-up.

“I think in the big picture,” Jackson said. “If we were told three weeks ago we would make the state tournament and finish eighth, I think team-wise we would have gladly accepted that.

“However, we slipped significantly and I know the boys are disappointed with that.

“I‘d like to think when the dust settle’s from the weekend and everybody had some time to process the weekend, I think [Wilson’s] victory will mitigate the team performance,” Jackson said.

After playing at a high level but coming short of a trophy for two years, Wilson was due for a title.

“I really had some great experiences here and I was anxious to come back down,” Wilson said. “I knew after last year I had the ability to play well and potentially win.”

BROOKFIELD

The Warriors made their first appearance in the state tournament since 1964. Paul McMullin, the co-owner of Yankee Run — Brookfield’s home course — was on that team.

Boasting two of the tournament’s three freshman in the entire tournament, the Indians took fifth. Freshman Connor Stevens (165) was 16th overall and fellow freshman Justin Atkinson (168) finished in 26th. Bryce Schell (173), Nate Smoot (178) and Jake Bower (203) round out the Indians.

“The kids, I felt like they grew up,” Brookfield coach Larry Smoot said. “Even though we finished in fifth, I feel like we’re going to be so much better for just playing in it this year.”

WARREN JFK

Competing as an individual, sophomore Jimmy Graham (162) finished in 11th place. He shot a 79 on day one and an 83 on day two.

POLAND

Over at the Gray Golf Course at Ohio State. The Poland girls golf team finished in 10th place in team play. Senior Gina Ungaro (178) had the team-low score, shooting an 89 both days. Following her was Marlie McConnell (189), Jenna Jacobson (194), Elena Cammack (197) and Carly Ungaro (204).