ASHLAND — Max Watson’s body of work speaks for itself.
The Richland Source Boys Golfer of the Year, Watson was a two-time state qualifier for Ashland. He tied for ninth at the Division I state tournament last month, carding a two-day total of 157.
Watson was the Ohio Cardinal Conference tournament medalist and the conference Player of the Year. When asked at the time which honor meant more, the senior didn’t hesitate.
“Player of the Year,” Watson said. “It shows my body of work.”
Watson, who is headed to Eastern Michigan, capped a remarkable senior season and career last month. He shot a 72 to claim medalist honors at the Mohawk sectional tournament and carded a 78 to finish second at the district tournament at Red Hawk Run.
Watson qualified for state as a junior and tied for 17th with a two-day 156.
“Max has always had a good swing,” Ashland coach Dave Chapman said after Watson claimed medalist honors with a 4 under 68 at the McLean Invitational. “It’s been really nice to watch his progression.”
Matthew McMullen, Galion: A sophomore, McMullen helped the Tigers reach the Division II state tournament for a second straight year. Galion finished fifth with a two-day total of 679. McMullen led the way individually, carding a 163 to tie for 19th. He was the sectional medalist with a 77 at Sawmill Creek and carded an 86 at the Red Hawk Run district, tied for 14th. He was a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference first team selection and was medalist at the MOAC tournament, firing a 1 under 71 at Valley View.
Spencer Keller, Galion: Also a sophomore, Keller joined McMullen on the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference first team. Galion was 14-0 in MOAC dual matches and won the MOAC tournament by a whopping 53 strokes. Keller carded a 74 at the MOAC tournament, sharing medalist runner-up honors with teammate Jack McElligott. Keller was ninth at the sectional with an 84 and tied for fifth at the district with an 83. His two-day total of 167 put him in a tie for 25th at the state tournament.
Brock Dettmer, Clear Fork: A senior, Dettmer was a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference first team pick. He fired a 75 at the MOAC tournament, good for fourth. He was medalist runner-up at the Sawmill Creek sectional with a 79 and shot an 83 at the Red Hawk Run district, good for a tie for fifth and four shots off a the second and final state qualifying spot.
Taylor Wittmer, Lexington: A senior, Wittmer helped the Minutemen win the Ohio Cardinal Conference championship. Lex was 6-0 in OCC dual matches and won the OCC tournament with a team total of 317 at Mohican Hills. Wittmer was an OCC first team pick. Lex won the sectional championship with a team total of 324. Wittmer carded a 92 at the Red Hawk Run district to tie for 22nd.
