GREENSBURG — It was business as usual for Columbus North, and it was heartbreak for Columbus East at the boys golf sectional at Greensburg Country Club on Friday.
The 11th-ranked Bull Dogs easily won the sectional crown with a team score of 299. It came down to the wire when the last scores were officially posted that Olympians missed out on qualifying for one of the three regional berths. They finished fifth as a team with a score of 349.
South Dearborn was runner-up with a 316, Greensburg was third with a 345 to advance to Thursday’s Providence Regional. North Decatur missed the cut by finishing fourth with a 347, followed by the East’s 349. Hauser was ninth with a 388.
North’s Luke VanDeventer won medalist honors by firing a 3-under-par 67.
“I hit the driver really well today. I hit a bunch of fairways,” VanDeventer said. “I counted up that I hit 15 greens today. I was pretty excited about that. I putted really well. It could have been better, but overall, I’m pretty happy with how I played today.”
Other scores for the Bull Dogs included Luke Schneider with a 75, Jacob Niedbalski with a 78, Tyler Wilks with a 79 and Jack Schiavello with an 81.
“It was a great round for Luke (VanDeventer), and for him to shoot a 67 at sectional this year and be medalist as a senior, it was terrific for him,” North coach Doug Bieker said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction. We played Tuesday up at Golf Club of Indiana, even though we didn’t quite finish. Next week (at regional) is going to be a challenge. I think this team is moving in the right direction, and I really do think we’re going to surprise some people next week.”
For the Olympians, Kody Reynolds led the way with an 84. Cole Schaefer had an 87, JT Kuhlman shot an 88, Pierce Arnholt scored a 90 and Spencer Erfmeier carded a 92.
“Our guys got out there, and they competed and continued after it for all 18 holes,” East coach Levi Simpson said.
“That’s just the way golf goes sometimes. You’re going to have some great holes, and you’re going to have some holes that are going to leave you wanting some more out on the course. This will be something for our young guys to keep building off of. Our seniors offered up some great leadership and throughout the season. I’m really proud of them because this is one of our best team scores for 18 on the season. That’s where we wanted to be at the end of the season is towards our best.”
For the Jets, Chase Martoccia led the team with an 86. Justice Gilliland had an 88. Caleb Wallace carded a 99, Daniel Taylor shot a 112 and Jesse Bragg had a 113.
“I’m pretty pleased. If we could have two more scores in the 80s, it could have been fun,” Hauser coach Mike Compton said. “We had a good season. The kids were really hard workers on the course and in practice. It was a good season, long season, cool season this year, and we enjoyed being part of it.”
North turns its attention to the regional battle on Thursday at Champions Pointe. The Bull Dogs will be in the mix with teams like Center Grove, Franklin, Silver Creek, Floyd Central and Bloomington South fighting for the three state qualifying spots.
“I think on a long golf course and Champions Pointe is set up like it is normally set up, I like this team’s chances,” Bieker said. “I think we’re going to work hard. School is out. There is really no excuses. They know what they have to do. I believe in this team. I think this team will surprise some people next week and up at (state at) Prairie View.”
