Boys golf: Midview takes title at Elyria Pioneer Invitational

GRAFTON — To borrow a line from legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, Midview took advantage of some changes in latitude and changes in attitude Thursday to pick up its first tournament win of the season. The Middies posted the three lowest scores of the day, junior Lucas Hendershot leading the way with a 5-over par 76 at Carlisle Golf Course, as Midview cruised to a 24-stroke win over second-place Avon (336) in the Elyria Pioneer Invitational. While some teams used the event as a chance to give some of their younger players an opportunity to perform during the busiest week of the high school golf season, Midview's decision to bring three of its returning seniors paid off, as Wyatt Frank posted a round of 77 and Jon Klooz carded 78. Frank, who also won the tournament's longest drive contest, didn't allow himself to get bogged down with the mental struggles that are often part of the game, as he helped the Middies rebound from 14th- and 10th-place finishes in the first two events of the season at Oberlin Golf Club and Grey Hawk. "The energy was good with the group I was with so I wasn't out there thinking too much," Frank said. "I came in really carefree today. Our minds really weren't on the golf course, they were in other places and that kept us from overthinking." Frank said he was focused on keeping the ball in the fairway rather than monster drives. He didn't post any birdies but his consistency was an example for the rest of the lineup. None of Midview's six golfers shot above 88. Junior Zach Rubin had the fourth score (83). "Oberlin is a tough course. Grey Hawk is a tough course. We came out here in our backyard and the kids showed today what they can do," Midview coach Kyle Zimmer said. "This is definitely going to give us confidence. "I hope we stay as consistent as we were today. We're lucky being at Brentwood (Midview's home course). We're able to play, use the range and have a putting and chipping green. Our practices are tailored to each individual to have the opportunity to work on the thing they need." Hendershot, who was one of only six golfers to break 80, was able to show off the work he's been putting in on his short game. "I was making putts and my chipping felt really good," he said. "It feels good when we play this good as a team. Everyone played their part today." Oberlin showed continued growth with its top two golfers, Chris Hamner and Colbey Wnoroski, posting scores of 83 and 86. After putting a ball in the water on the first hole, Hamner recovered to shoot 2-over par over his final eight holes. "Honestly, I just stopped caring," Hamner, a junior, said. "I thought I was going to be in the 90s or maybe even higher. Once I stopped caring, I started having fun and I was just out there playing golf with my friends." The Eagles were led by Jason Short's 78. Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com. Team results: Midview 314, Avon 336, Westlake 345, Bay 349, Amherst 350, Firelands 373, Oberlin 390, Elyria 452. Medalist: Lucas Hendershot, Midview, 76. Top individuals: Wyatt Frank, Midview, 77; Jon Klooz, Midview, 78; Jason Short, Avon, 78; Blake Ropeleski, Bay, 79; Seth Schons, Westlake, 79. Individual results: Midview (314): Lucas Hendershot 76, Jon Klooz 78, Wyatt Frank 77, Patrick Dolin 84, Zach Rubin 83, Kellen Sykuta 88. Avon (336): Jason Short 78, Luke Fox 88, Damian Rodriguez 94, Vaughn Kopf 87, Emmitt Weaver 94, Miles Fowler 83. Westlake (345): Tim Valentine 84, Ryan Camden 81, Seth Schons 79, Luke Hyland 101, Jake Windau 112, William Curley 133. Bay (349): Jack Wunder 94, Will Schrock 87, Blake Ropeleski 79, Aiden Carey 89, Max Prahl 98, Deley Johnson 96. Amherst (350): Camen Simo 91, Mason Kruesen 88, Brayden Jacobs 93, Liam Putalla 81, Jacob Stewart 95, Coen Clayman 90. Firelands (373): Luke Grisez 88, Mikey Janosik 91, Kase Rogers 101, Camden Arnal 96, Kolbe Dodson 98. Oberlin (390): Chris Hamner 83, Colbey Wnoroski 86, Liam Steggall 105, Harvey Bradish 115, Tyler Musgrave 143. Elyria (452): Chloe Rumancik 100, Lucas Grucella 125, Anthony Reitz 88, Kierrick Koos 139.