Bobcat Golfers Have Solid Showing In Midwest Prep Classic

(Images courtesy of Jackie Kerle) L-R Owen, Devon, Lucas, McKayla, Kameron

Clarion Area had a solid showing in the prestigious Midwest Prep Golf Classic, on Saturday and Sunday, September 18th and 19th. The invitational tournament was held at Meadville Country Club. The Bobcats finished in tenth place overall, with a 681. They sat in eleventh place, on Saturday, after carding a 354 and shot a 327 on Sunday, the fourth best total for the day two. with a 354; 2nd day 4th with a 327;

Fourteen teams competed in the event: Clarion Area, St. Ignatious (Cleveland), North Canton Hoover, St. Mary, St. Edwards (Lakewood, Ohio), St. Francis (Toledo), Cathedral Prep A, Nichols School (Buffalo), Brunswick (Ohio), McDowell, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin School (Chardon, Ohio), General McLane, Cathedral Prep B, Padua Franciscan (Parma, Ohio). In addition three golfers competed as individuals.

Bobcats assistant coach Jackie Kerle said, “We were lucky enough to get invited to this tournament that featured some of the best high school teams out of three states (Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio) most of which are AAA or AAAA schools.”

There were seventy-three golfers in the field, ranging from freshman to seniors.

Kameron Kerle was the top finisher for the Bobcats, as he recorded an 84 on Saturday and a 79 on Sunday for a 163 total, good for twenty-fifth place overall. Devon Lauer shot a 169 (89-80) to finish thirty-seventh. Mckayla Kerle placed forty-sixth, with a 174 (94-80). Lucas Mitrosky carded a 180 (92-88), to finish fiftieth and Owen Kriebel finished fifty-fourth with a 183 (89-94).

St. Ignatius from Cleveland took home the team title and Meadville’s Michael Mahoney (who competed as an individual) took home medalist honors with a two day total of one over par 145 (74-71)

The rest of the Top Five included: Brunswick’s Alex Heilbrun – second, St. Mary’s Jake Dantonio – third, St. Ignatius’ Michael O’Leary – fourth and St. Ignatius’ Michael Van Etten – fifth.

Coach Kerle shared this about the Bobcats play, “We have a young team with tremendous potential and wanted to expose them to the next level. The first day was filled with a bit of intimidation and anxiety. However, by the back 9 of play, our team showed signs of settling down and playing their own games. The second day our golfers were more prepared and started off the day with more confidence and positive attitudes.

“This tournament was the best preparation that we could offer the team before we head to the district tournament on Monday (September 27th).”

(Congratulations on the fine showing, Bobcats!!!!)