By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

The Mogadore Wildcats arrived at the Monday’s Division III district tournament ready to compete at the Tanglewood Golf Club in Alliance.

Fact is, they didn’t just show up to compete against the best teams in the district, they played well.

Very well.

When the final Wildcat had turned in his scorecard, the team was in third place, the final-qualifying spot to advance to the state tournament by five strokes over fourth place Brookfield.

Senior Tyler Pendergast led the team, firing an 80 that landed him a top-10 finish in seventh place.

Individual honors, though, were never the primary goal in this event for the Wildcats.

Advancing as a team was at the top of that list.

Supporting Pendergast’s top score were senior Jude Thiry 90, sophomore Brock Thiry 92, junior Max Shannon 85 and sophomore Max Simone 91.

Out of more than 50 golfers in the Division III district, all of Mogadore’s lineup landed in the top 35 of the event.

Moving forward, Mogadore advances to NorthStar Golf Club in Newbury, site of the Division III state tournament scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14.

“What a wild ride it’s been this year,” said Chris Mossa, longtime coach of the Wildcats. “It’s been a challenge keeping the team engaged without a league, but I’m so proud of the resilience they’ve shown. It’s a total team effort, and I love that we never give up and have a purpose with each shot.”

For Mossa, it is the fifth Mogadore team he has coached to the state tournament and his eighth overall.

“As I near the end of my career, I appreciate each one of these moments more and more because they don’t come around often,” said the longtime coach, who was quick to also provide appreciation for his assistant coach Jason Dannemiller.

“This is truly a team effort,” said Mossa. “I am so happy for my seniors — Tyler Pendergast and Jude Thiry. They are captains and leaders on and off the course. Now let’s go to Columbus and see what we can do.”

Watch Portage Sports for tee times and additional information as we continue to follow the success of the Wildcats this season.

BOYS GOLF SCOREBOARD

TANNENHAUF DIVISION III DISTRICT

(At Tannenhauf Golf Club, Alliance – Par 72)

The top-three teams and individuals not on qualifying teams advance to the D3 state tournament Oct. 13 and 14 at NorthStar Golf Club in Newbury.

TEAM STANDINGS: Cardinal Mooney 311, Warren JFK 315, Mogadore 346, Brookfield 351, Columbiana 354, Independence 357, Kirtland 359, Hillsdale 368, LaBrae 372.

MEDALIST:  Alex Eckstein, Cardinal Mooney 72.

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS: Jackson Ensley, Springfield 78; Jacob Rainieri, Lake Center Christian 79; Thad Weaver, Dalton 81.

MOGADORE (346): Tyler Pendergast 80, Jude Thiry 90, Brock Thiry 92, Max Shannon 85, Max Simone 91.