ASHLAND — It’s not how either of them hoped their senior seasons would unfold, but Lexington’s Mandy Ruminski and Ashland’s Kira Moore are playing it as it lies.
Two of the most talented girls golfers in the area — and the state — both Ruminski and Moore are keeping their fingers crossed that the season will be played in its entirety.
Just about the only thing that could prevent them from reaching the state tournament is a coronavirus-caused shutdown.
“This is definitely not how I envisioned my senior season,” said Ruminski, who carded an even-par 36 to take medalist honors at the Shelby Invitational earlier this week at the Shelby Country Club. “Golf isn’t too different because it’s a non-contact sport, but there are so many unknowns (surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic) that it’s kind of stressful.”
If any sport is built for social distancing, it’s golf. Players are almost always separated by six feet or more and most tournament organizers send players out in groups of three or four.
What’s more, extra precautions have been implemented amid the ongoing health crisis. The flagstick remains in the hole while players are on the putting surface and the traditional end-of-round handshake has been eliminated.
“We never have to touch anyone else,” said Moore, who was medalist runner-up at Shelby with a 37. “That’s why I’m optimistic the season will be played.
“I feel like we will be able to have (a postseason), but it’s out of my control. All I can do is worry about each tournament and getting better.”
If there is a postseason, there’s a pretty good chance both Ruminski and Moore will be in Columbus for its conclusion. Both are three-time state tournament participants.
Ruminski started her high school career at Shelby and led the Whippets to back-to-back Division II state runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018. She moved to Lexington and qualified for the Division I state tournament last fall.
As a freshman in 2017, Ruminski placed 12th individually at state with a two-day total of 153 and was third with a 148 as a sophomore. She had her best showing at Ohio State’s Gray Course last fall, carding a 144 and finishing sixth in the rugged Division I field.
Ashland has qualified for the Division I tournament each of the past three years with Moore and the now-graduated Anna Watson leading the charge. Moore placed 28th individually as a freshman with a 159 before moving up to 14th as a sophomore with a 153. She carded a career-best 152 at last year’s state tournament, good for 19th. As a team, Ashland finished eighth in 2017, fourth in 2018 and sixth last year.
The health crisis and resulting social distancing mandates haven’t bothered Moore.
“For me I’m more of a homebody,” Moore said. “All I do is golf so it didn’t affect me as much because I’ve been able to golf.”
The prospect of a shutdown is something both Ruminski and Moore have been forced to consider.
“My dad (Oak Tree teaching pro and former Shelby girls coach Brad Ruminski) actually called (Ohio High School Athletic Association officials) and they said they are planning to have the sectionals, districts and state,” Ruminski said. “If not, then that will definitely be a bummer for sure.”
Moore agreed.
“I feel like the state tournament is going to happen,” Moore said. “I’d be disappointed if it didn’t, but it’s not something I can control. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
