FALL ATHLETES Hadley Spielvogel

Cardinal Mooney senior golfer Hadley Spielvogel ended her varsity career the way almost every athlete dreams — competing at state.

In October, Spielvogel finished 20th in the Division II state tournament at Ohio State University’s Gray Course in Columbus.

“The course was in beautiful condition,” said Spielvogel, adding that it was the first time she golfed on the prestigious course. “The greens were tough, but I really enjoyed it.

“I’d go back there in a heartbeat.”

Spielvogel was Mooney’s Player of the Year all four years. Her honors include Bishop Cup medalist and Ohio High School Golf Coaches Association’s Senior Academic Award.

Boosted by Spielvogel’s 82 to finish fourth at the district tournament, Mooney’s team, coached by Mary Theresa Bellino, qualified for state. Spielvogel said their nerves were on edge waiting for the final results at Canton’s Tam O’Shanter Golf Course.

“We ended up making it by one stroke,” she said.

Spielvogel, the daughter of Jill and Brian Spielvogel of Boardman, said her favorite subject is math.

“I’ve always loved math,” she said, adding that in middle school at St. Christine’s she participated in math competitions.

“And I ended up winning one and I placed second the first year I [competed],” she said.

Her favorite teacher is Michelle Kerr, a math teacher at St. Christine’s.

“I loved her [teaching,” Spielvogel said.

She’s the only golfer in the family.

“They definitely support me,” she said. “They knew not to put pressure on me because I do that myself”.

Among the colleges she’s interested in attending are Ohio Wesleyan, Mount Union or Notre Dame College to pursue a teaching degree.

— Tom Williams, The Vindicator