Mount Vernon golfers battle rain and nerves to finish 10th at district tournament

The Mount Vernon golf team faced a tough, uphill battle in its first Div. I central district tournament in nine years.

The Yellow Jackets not only faced some of the toughest high school teams in the state, but they also had to battle the rain and nerves as they made their way around Apple Valley Golf Course on Tuesday. In the end, the Jackets finished 10th with a solid team score of 317.

“I thought they played great as a group. I thought they played steady all day; didn’t get too up or too down,” said Mount Vernon coach T.T. Crouch. “It’s a pressure packed situation, and I thought they handled it really well.”

Dublin Jerome won the rain-soaked event with a team score of five-under-par 283. St. Charles shot 288 and New Albany 299 to advance to the state tournament next week as well.

MV had advanced to the district tournament for the first time in nine years by shooting a 303 at Denison last week in sectionals.

Tuesday, the Jackets were led by their trio of seniors. Tyler Marsell, Griffin Beach and Tyce Davidson each shot 79 for the day. Starting on the back nine at Apple, each senior saw their share of trouble and success, but they were able to keep things steady throughout the day.

“They set the standard for the younger guys. They won a league championship. That hasn’t been done in 16 years. They made it through the sectional tournament for the first time in nine years. That group set the standard for the younger guys,” Crouch said.

Davidson really turned things on during his second nine, recording two birdies (Nos. 2 and 5) and two bogeys to shoot an even par 36 on the final nine holes of his high school career.

“(Tyce) played his first nine holes, the majority of that was in the rain. He played great on the back nine. It’s cool to see a guy like him shoot 36 on the back after where he started from two years ago; shooting 140 in tryouts for 18 holes,” Crouch said. “It was pretty neat to see him come full circle like that. You don’t see that very often. He’s put in the work; I can tell you that.”

The Jackets also got solid performances from two sophomores — Justus Shaw and Grayson Workman. Both of them shot 80 on the day.

“I thought the sophomores learned quite a bit, being in that environment and knowing what to expect and what it takes to get there. They learned quite a bit, being able to compete in a district championship for the first time. Kind of got a taste of it and want more of it,” Crouch said. “It’s been such a long time since we’ve been there, they don’t really know what it is. So, for them to see that, and some of our younger guys came out and watched. Obviously, it’s a pretty intense environment.”

Jacket, Freddie runners fare well at Marion Harding

The Mount Vernon and Fredericktown cross-country teams competed in the Marion Harding Invitational on Oct. 4.

The Yellow Jacket boys’ team finished 11th overall, with Fredericktown coming in 13th.

Calvin Heithaus led the Jackets by placing eighth in a time of 16:34.96. Owen Petrie was next in 25th at 17:18.02, followed by Gavin Andrews (18:03.77), Joey Butts (18:35.72) and Nathan Jose (19:08.56).

The Freddies were led by Lincoln Snyder, who finished 35th in 17:32.30. Darren Hartley was next (18:02.18), followed by Allen Swartzentruber (18:02.41), Trace Armstrong (18:29.17) and Gideon Rashley (18:34.23).

Lucy Rush won her seventh race of the season, leading Mount Vernon to a 15th place showing in the girls’ race. Fredericktown placed fifth as a team.

Rush crossed the finish line in 18:29.87. She was followed by teammates Nora de la Fuente Morcillo (23:22.18), Callie Peugh (23:38.82), Cora Stetler (24:54.98), Madison Seng (29:58.38) and Joy Mormon (39:20.14).

Fredericktown was led by Gwen Lavin (20th, 21:19.32) and Peyton Blakesley (23rd, 21:22.36). They were followed by Madi Shade (22:46.88), Micah Phillips (23:14.88), Sophia Overholt (23:44.82) and Angelina Overholt (23:48.22).

East Knox, Danville compete at Johnstown

The East Knox boys’ cross-country team placed sixth at the Johnstown Harrier Showdown.

Kaiden Clutter led the Bulldogs by finishing 15th in 18:27.87. Lucas Holland was close behind at 19th in 18:42.51, followed by Zeke Proudfoot (19:36.97), Cale Brewer (21:27.99), Curtis Divan (22:18.61) and Jacob Mortera (25:02.80).

Danville was led by Johnny Stephens, who finished 41st in 20:24.16. Nick Mosher (21:30.09) and Evan Crider (23:01.73) also competed.

The East Knox girls’ team had just three runners, but two of them placed in the top 15. Macie Fawcett came in 12th at 23:39.19, while Cloe Tucker was 14th in 23:42.67. Kaylie Barlock finished 51st in 30:19.77.

Danville was led by Raegan Malone, who finished 28th in 25:23.35. Gracie Lucas was next (26:16.49), followed by Brooklyn Ashman (26:55.79) and Hailey Colopy (29:31.29).