TIFFIN — Not even Mother Nature herself could derail Ashland on Wednesday.
The Arrows shot a team total of 313 for a 16-stroke victory at the Division I sectional tournament at Mohawk Golf and Country Club.
Ashland won its fourth sectional crown in the past five years. The Arrows’ winning score was its lowest at the Mohawk sectional since 2016’s 311 and came amid powerful winds that lashed the region Wednesday.
“We’ve had a couple different tournament we’ve played in that were pretty tough, but these were probably the toughest conditions we’ve played in,” Ashland coach Dan Priest said. “They had some pin placements that were almost unfair, but our kids handled that.”
Only six players shot below 80 Wednesday and three of them were Arrows. Junior ace Tyler Sabo was sectional medalist with an even-par 72, while Kamden Mowry and Aiden Baker tied for fourth with matching 78s. Aidan Chandler (85) and Ryan Frazee (94) rounded it out for the Arrows.
“It was a good day for Ashland despite the conditions,” Priest said. “The kids hung in there because it was so tough. I’m proud of them for that.”
Elida was second with a 329 followed by St. Marys Memorial (340), Lexington (341) and Lima Shawnee (354). The top five teams and top five individuals not on a qualifying team advance to next week’s district tournament at Findlay Country Club.
Madison’s William Laskey shot an 85 to earn one of the individual district berths. The Rams finished seventh as a team with a score of 368 while Mansfield Senior (430) was 11th.
Trevor Dials led Lexington with an 81, followed by Troy Chapman (82). Trevin Smith and Tyler Jackson had 89s, while Cayden Durchik had a 95.
Ashland’s Sabo continued a remarkable season-long run. He has been the medalist in 14 of Ashland’s 19 tournaments or matches.
“Tyler has been unbelievable this year,” Priest said. “I think he’s the best player in Ohio.”
All five of Ashland’s regulars this fall were members of last year’s state-qualifying team. The Arrows were 11th at the Division I state tournament last fall.
“We’re lucky that we have the same five back from last year,” Priest said. “Our roster really hasn’t changed.
“These kids have really worked hard. High school golf isn’t a two-month season like the schedule says. These kids have been playing all summer long.”
