The Southeast girls golf team, with head coach Cindy Fesemyer (far left) stand with their district championship trophy.
Susan Jenior/Portage Sports

By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

For the first time in Southeast history, a golf team has qualified for the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Tournament.

They earned the berth in championship honors, winning the Division II district title at J.E. Good Park Golf Course in Akron on Wednesday.

The Pirates bested a dozen teams, including runner-up state qualifier Chagrin Falls by two strokes, to win the district and take home the first-place trophy and individual medals.

“This has been our goal since the beginning of the season,” said Cindy Fesemyer, coach of the Pirates. “Last year (2023), we missed qualifying for the OHSAA state tournament as a team by two strokes. Each season, we want to do one notch better, so qualifying for the state tournament has been in our sights and was our goal all season.”

While the team missed advancing to state a year ago, Taylor Blazez advanced as an individual for her junior year, becoming the first female golfer to qualify for the state tourney.

This season, the Pirates are going together.

“This season, it was a hard-fought battle in both the sectional tournament and the district tournament, but everyone did what they needed to do to take home the district trophy and advance to the state tournament,” explained Fesemyer.

It was an exciting tournament with Southeast leading from the first hole to the 18th — even though several teams threatened to pass them to the top.

“I am most proud of the golfers on this team because even though they faced adversity in their games, they recovered and finished each of their rounds strong,” explained Fesemyer.

Blazek, the lone senior on the team, fired a 10-over-par 81. Although Blazek started her round with two double-bogeys in the first four holes, she maintained her composure and put up the score Southeast needed.

“Taylor is a solid player and did not let a few missteps in her round ruin her overall score to earn medalist honors for our team,” said Fesemyer. Blazek tied for fourth individual, but the single spot was not her goal. “As a senior, Taylor wanted us to go to state with her this year,” said Fesemyer.

Traveling to the state tournament at Firestone Country Club’s Fazio Course, formerly known as the West Course, alongside Blazek, is Samantha Morgan (85), Aubree Varga (89), Jessica Mix (102) and Jennifer Mix (96).

“It is hard to believe that Sammy (Morgan) had an 85 with an 11 on a hole,” said Fesemyer. She recovered so well to finish her round and land in the top 10 of the tournament. That is maturity as a freshman.

“Each of the girls had their own strengths and they are so supportive of each other as a team,” Fesemyer added. “It is terrific that this group of girls, including two freshmen, are the first team to make history and advance to the state tournament,” concluded Fesemyer.

The golf coach is not unfamiliar with state tournaments. but this is a different sport. Fesemyer was the successful track coach for Southest sending teams and individuals to the event for many years. Her 1985 Pirates girls track and field team won the Division II state championship.

Another unique note is that Sammy Morgan, freshman on the state-qualifying team, is the sister of James Morgan, junior, and the second boys golfer to qualify for Southeast. Family members qualifying for the state tournament in the same year gives new meaning to the statement “the family that plays golf together, stays together.”

“This team has many reasons to be successful,” said Fesemyer.

The girls will play at Firestone Country Club including a practice round on Oct. 19 and two rounds of 18 holes each on Oct. 20 and 21.

The community and their home golf course, Olde Dutch Mill in Lake Milton, is behind them.