Centerville girls finish 2nd at state golf, gain redemption

Tears dripped down the face of Centerville junior Marissa Wenzler as she stood staring at the leaderboard of the Ohio State University’s golf course.

The Lady Elks didn’t win the state title — Olentangy Orange did by 10 strokes — but Centerville proudly took the runner-up spot while establishing itself as a true “redeem team.”

During the 2015 trip to state, Centerville looked poised to finish second. However, the Elks tied for the spot, and a lower fifth-score playoff took away a trip to the podium.

Kayla Ramsey, who at the time was a freshman with Wenzler, was responsible for that fateful fifth score. On Saturday, she avenged the past.

“This feels great,” she said. “I can’t even put it into words. It’s awesome.”

Ramsey shot a final-round 5-over-par 75, shaving two strokes off her day one total. Wenzler was 1-over and placed fifth overall in the individual competition. The team shot 302 in the final round. The mark was seven strokes better than the squad’s season average, according to coach Mike Daton. Centerville shot 612 overall.

Butler’s Austin Greaser placed fifth overall in the Division I boys tournament after a stellar second round. The junior shot 1-under-par 71, seven strokes better than his day one outing.

Numerous players and coaches described the greens as quick and fast, but Greaser found success playing closer to the hole.

“I got a few more putts to drop and that always helps,” Greaser said.

Carroll’s Tyler Goecke also competed in the Division I tournament, tying for 11th after a 5-over-par 77. He played in memory of Carroll girls coach Roy Cassidy, who died Oct. 9 at age 70.

“He was really close to me,” Goecke said. “To play for him was just amazing.”

Goecke credited Cassidy with growing his interest in the game.

“I grew up wit him. He got me on the middle school golf team,” Goecke said. “He got me into golf.”

Goecke competed as an individual but believes his entire squad has a shot to be represented next season.

“We’re going to be a good team next year with some good incoming freshmen,” he said.

Springboro’s Alexis Savage shot 11-over-par 81 on the final day. She finished tied for 26th.

About the Author