By Susan Junior

Staff Writer

The Mogadore Wildcats competed in the first day of the OHSAA’s Division III State Championship at North Star Golf Club in Sunbury after advancing from the northeast district to the top-12 teams in the state.

After the first day of competition, Mogadore sits in 10th place.

Mogadore’s Tyler Pendergast

“It was such an exciting day for us,” said Chris Mossa, coach of the Wildcats.

“Lots of nerves and our scores reflected that,” Mossa continued. “Not the start we wanted, but we finished really well. Extremely proud of our composure, even after a bad hole, we continued to grind and stay in the moment.

“Brock Thiry and Max Simone both overcame a few bad shots that cost them, but they never gave up,” Mossa added. “Tyler (Pendergast) shot 80 with a triple on hole 12, but he finished 1-under the last four holes.

“Jude (Thiry) battled a serious ankle injury that probably should have kept him out of the tournament, but he’s a fighter and battled all day,” explained Mossa. “I am so proud of the effort and expect us to relax and play our style on the second day of the tournament.

“Being here is the ultimate prize, and we’re so proud and honored to be competing and representing our school,” concluded Mossa.

Jacob Rainieri of Mogadore, playing as an individual for Lake Center Christian, carded a 77 on the first day of the tournament, finishing his first 18-hole round in ninth place. Rainieri tees off at 10:50 a.m. on the first hole Tuesday at North Star Golf Club.

Mogadore tees off at 9 a.m., with awards and state recognition scheduled for immediately following the conclusion of the second-day rounds.

BOYS GOLF SCOREBOARD

DIVISION III STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

(At North Star Golf Club, Sunbury – Par 72)

TEAM STANDINGS (after first of two days): Warren JFK 309, Hiland 319, Pettisville 320, Kalida 323, Mechanicsburg 326, Van Buren 331, Mooney 332, Waterford 335, Botkins 349, Mogadore 351, Delaware St. Johns 352, National Trail 353.

INDIVIDUALS (Top 5): Jack Mast, Hiland 70; Paul Stechschulte, Kalid 71; Julian Bolino, Warren JFK 73; Andrew Fredenburg, Warren JFK 74; Bobby Kieber, Newark Catholic 74; Reese Lon, Waterford 74.

MOGADORE: Tyler Pendergast 80, Jude Thiry 106, Brock Thiry 89, Max Shannon 93, Max Simone 89.

LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN (Individual): Jacob Rainieri 77 (in ninth place).