McKayla Kerle Defends District Nine Golf Title; Joins Brother Kameron, Devon Lauer and Lucas Mitrosky At States

All images by Jackie Kerle: Above – 2021 and 2022 District Nine Girls Class-AA Champion McKayla Kerle

Clarion Area’s McKayla Kerle won her second straight District Nine Girls Class-AA Golf championship at the Coudersport Golf Club on Monday (October 3rd).

McKayla carded an 83 to outdistance the rest of the field. With the win she joins brother Kameron, who claimed the Boys Class-AA title, at Kane Country Club, on Saturday (October 1st).

McKayla said this about her tournament play, “I’m happy that I was able to win the district tournament, I just wish I could have done it with a lower score. It felt like I was playing pretty solid, the greens were just difficult to putt on. I had more 3 putts in that round than I’ve had in my past 4 tournaments put together. I’m glad it was a good enough score to make it to the state tournament again this year.” 

Kameron said, “It feels good to win the D9 title and make it to states again. I’m looking forward to playing at states against some of the golfers that I played with over the summer.” 

Fellow Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference (KSAC) golfer, Chloe Fritz from Karns City finished second with a 95 and Oswayo Valley’s Rylee Thompson finished third, with a 96.

The three will now advance to the PIAA State Championships at Penn State Blue Course, at State College for a two-day, 36 hole event, on Monday and Tuesday, October 17th and 18th.

Rylee was tied with Smethport’s Olivia Schott after regulation and then won a 4 hole sudden death playoff, to secure third place and a trip to states.

Only the Medalist, Alderdices Lily Gedris who shot an 87, to States to States, also held the same days, at the Penn State White Course.

Other KSAC golfers finishing in the Top Ten include: Emma Covert – Moniteau (104); Mariska Shunk – Moniteau (108); Kendell Findlay – Cranberry (108); Evie Bliss – A-C Valley (112).

Others KSAC competitors include: Cranberry – Brooke Whitling and Alaina Hogue; Moniteau – Taylor Voloch, Kendall Sankey, Autumn Stewart and Jessie Stocks.

Two KSAC teams, Moniteau (327) and Cranberry (345) finished one-two in the Class-AA Team Championship. Smethport (399) was third. In Class-AAA, Bradford (305) finished first, while DuBois (327) was second.

Clarion Assistant Coach and Mom, Jackie Kerle shared her assessment on McKayla’s play. “McKayla was getting off the tee well all day. Her second shots were on or handy to the green. It was the putting that increased her score. Putts that would normally drop were getting hung up or derailed in the aerated holes.”  

The parents, Jackie and Bobcat Head Coach and Dad, Jay Kerle as understandable are very happy with how McKayla and Kameron’s seasons have unfolded so far, “Jay and I are extremely proud of how McKayla has played all season. She set goals for herself and has been able to accomplish several of them to this point. I know this was a big goal of hers, she wanted to win back to back D9 titles and make it to states.  Her goal for districts was to shoot in the 70’s, which could have happened very easily, given better putting conditions.

“All in all, it’s been a great golf season and it’s not over yet!

“I think it is really special that both of our kids won titles in the same year…the past few competitions they have tied for medalist honors. We are excited for states! 

“Kameron has had another great golf season.  He started off a little slower than last year, but seemed to build momentum as the season progressed. He finished the season as the low scorer for the KSAC and then won the D9 title after being 5 strokes off the lead after the first day.”

McKayla and Kameron will be joined at States by fellow Bobcats, Devon Lauer and Lucas Mitrosky, who finished third and fourth in the District Nine Boys Class-AA Tournament.

The four have worked hard, prior to and during the season, and are reaping the benefits. And the support they’ve been given from others has been a big motivator.

Jackie shared, “Playing in tournaments all summer has really benefited all four of our players that are advancing to states. It has given them valuable experience that can’t be taught. They have learned how to play under pressure and how to control their nerves and emotions.” 

“Jay and I would like to thank all of the players on the team for their countless hours of practice, their parents and the community, especially Clarion Oaks that have supported and encouraged these golfers to strive to get better.” 

(Congratulations to McKayla, Chloe and Rylee, Kameron, Devon and Lucas!!!! Have a great State Tournament!!!! Thanks to Jackie Kerle for her pics!!)

2022 District Nine Girls Class-AA And Class-AAA Leaderboards