Gavin M. (Courtesy/Gavin H.)

by Patrick Woods

Columbus Academy’s boys golf team competed in the Division II state tournament this weekend at the NorthStar Golf Course in Sunbury, finishing third behind Kettering Alter and Cincinnati Wyoming with a two-day score of 654. This marked the team’s seventh straight year competing at states, winning five of them. 

On Friday, October 13, clear skies and balmy temperatures welcomed the Vikings to yet another postseason appearance. They ended the first round with a team score of 325, landing them in third place. Jack W. led the team with an 80, both Matthew F. and Gavin M. followed with an 81, Alex S. collected 83, and Ethan B. ended the day with a 90. Despite strong shooting, they trailed behind first place Archbishop Kettering Alter (294) and second place Wyoming (319).

After a brief weather delay from heavy rain that pushed back all morning tee times, the Vikings continued their quest for victory on Saturday, October 14. Matthew set the tone for the vikes with a 76, Alex fired off an 83, followed by Gavin and Ethan both shooting 85, and Jack rounded out the second day with an 87. The boys came in fifth for the second round with a score of 329, lagging behind first place Alter’s 302.

Matthew spearhead the Maroon and Gray with a 157,  juniors Gavin and Alex both netted 166, sophomore Jack placed fourth on the team with a 167, and junior Ethan B. wrapped up with a 175 to close out their weekend performance. Their 654 total score wasn’t enough to overcome second place Wyoming’s 647 or Alter’s title clinching 596.

Although the boys failed to win states, they still ended the season as district champions. Matthew closed out his career for CA’s golf program with two state championships, four district titles, and three league wins. Best of luck to the team next year.