By Mark Carpenter
People’s Defender
The 2023 high school golf season came to a close last weekend for a group of local golfers but to their credit, it came to an end at the highest level of state competition. Manchester senior Taylor Ralston plus the entire West Union Dragons boys squad participated in the OHSAA State Golf Tournaments in Columbus and though neither performed the way they had hoped, it was a memorable experience all the way around.
Playing on the OSU Gray Course, Ralston tackled the 36-hole tourney with her usual vigor but a few bad holes set her back to shooting just an 80 on the first day. With the weather conditions quite unfavorable on Saturday, Ralston ended her high school career with an 86, giving her a 166 total and an 18th place finish. Though the results weren’t exactly how she hoped it would go, Ralston didn’t let it dampen her enthusiasm for the experience.
“The state golf tournament was an amazing experience I will never forget and always cherish,” said the 2023 Southeast District champion. “Going to state was a goal I set my seventh grade year that I am so thrilled to have achieved. Over the past three years I have worked hard to be a state qualifier and my senior year was my last opportunity and I wanted to give it my al. It was an honor to play at the state tournament and represent Manchester High School and Adams County.”
“I really appreciated all the support from everyone. The parade through town and the pep rally at school were incredible experiences. Although my score was not as low as I hoped, I am still grateful for the opportunity to play at the state level. It was an experience that i will never forget.”
“I hope that more younger girls in the county will take an interest in golf and the programs will continue to grow,” continued Ralston. “I hope girls realize that if they work hard, even in a male-dominated sport, they can achieve their goals and earn respect from everyone. Hard work and dedication will help you reach all of your goals, not only in golf, but in life. There are great opportunities out there for girls in golf and I hope the younger girls seize the opportunity.”
As far as the West Union boys, they and Coach Schneider soaked in the whole state experience even if they didn’t finish quite where they had hoped. Leading the Dragons at state was senior Matthew Griffis who carded a 180 (89-91) for the tourney, followed by freshman,an Landon McIntosh at 181 (89-92). Also on the state course for the Dragons were sophomore A.J. Cooper (190), sophomore Tegan Knox (203) and sophomore Carsen Francis (230). Senior Brandt Seaman was the sixth man and was disappointed that he did not get to play in the tournament, but he was right there supporting the other players in so many ways, according to Coach Schneider.
“”It was a great experience for our players, even though we didn’t play real well,” said Coach Schneider. “We were not expecting to get there this year, so that makes it extra special. The boys and parents had a great time even with the terrible weather conditions on Saturday. Those things help to make it memorable. I believe our players are motivated now to get back there again the next couple of years. With them being so young, the possibility is there with a lot of practice of getting a top five finish. “
“On Matthew Griffis’s final hole as a high school golfer, he made a 12-foot putt for par in front of a large crowd to finish an outstanding career. I was so happy for him to get to go to state his final season. He experienced the state finals as a freshman, but didn’t play as he was the sixth man.”
“I’m extremely proud of these young men for their accomplishments and improvement over the season,” Schneider added. “Their parents have done a fantastic job of raising these young men to be outstanding young people with great work ethics and outstanding integrity. I’m really looking forward to working with these players and parents over the next several seasons as they continue to work to achieve their goals.”
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