FR boys fall just short of state berth

MIAMISBURG, Ohio — Fifteen strokes.

That’s the difference between the Indians making the trip to Akron and putting the clubs back on the shelf until the snow thaws in the spring.

The Fort Recovery High School boys golf team fell one spot short of a state tournament berth, finishing third at the OHSAA Division II Southwest District golf tournament on Monday at Pipestone Golf Club.

The top two teams and individuals not on qualifying teams advanced to the state tournament Firestone Country Club starting on Oct. 11. The Indians shot a 332, falling 15 strokes short of Seven Hills (317) for the final berth. National Trial edged out Seven Hills for the district title with a round of 315.

Eli Lennartz shot 40s on the front and back nine to provide the best score for FRHS at 80 strokes. The senior never shot worse than a bogey over all 18 holes. He had one birdie on the par-4 first hole and supported with eight pars. Lennartz’s 80 earned him the 13th best score in the district, but he fell seven strokes short of an individual berth. Cincinnati County Day’s Ethan Argus shot a 4-under-par 68 to claim the first spot at the state tournament and the district title. Ross Dietz scooped up the other spot with a 73.

Fellow senior Keegan Muhlenkamp finished his final round of golf as an Indian strong with an 81 to claim the 14th best score. He made birdie three times on the par-5 sixth, par-4 15th and par-3 17th. He made par seven times to go with the birdies.

Only one stroke behind, Reece LeFevre tied for 19th at 82 strokes. The junior shot better on the front nine with a 39, highlighted by a birdie on the par-5 second hole. He totaled eight pars.

Caleb Smith rounded out the team score with a round of 89. He shot par five times and made nine bogeys.

Senior Mason Diller also competed, putting up a 106 that didn’t impact the final.