By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

High-school golf used to be a spring sport, but the OHSAA changed it to the fall so the athletes were at the top of their game after competing in summer tournaments rather than just starting their practice in the fall.

The strategy has helped many high-school golfers succeed in the postseason and this season may be no different as high-school teams advance to the district tournaments, one step prior to the state tournament that determines the champions in high-school golf — both individuals and team.

This week is the deciding factor for many Portage County teams looking to advance as far as they can go in Ohio high-school golf.

BOYS GOLF

DIVISION III DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Both the Rootstown Rovers and the Mogadore Wildcats advanced to the Division III district tournament that is competed at Tannenhauf Golf Club in Alliance on Monday.

Rootstown advanced in the fourth-qualifying spot out of the Pleasant Valley Sectional and Mogadore qualified advancing through the Salem Hills Northeast Sectional, also in fourth place.

The Rovers play in the Chagrin Valley Conference and Mogadore has been without a conference for a second season, but both teams are looking to continue their seasons to the state tournament on Monday at Tannenhauf.

DIVISION I DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Pine Hills Golf Course in Hinckley has hosted the Division I District Tournament for many years as this year is no different as the Aurora Greenmen and two individuals from Kent Roosevelt will look to continue their seasons at the state tournament through the tough Pine Hills.

Aurora qualified out of the Windmill Lakes Division I Sectional, finishing second out of four teams to advance to the district at Pine Hills.

The Rough Riders competed in the same Windmill Lakes Sectional and advanced two individuals: Sophomore Andrew VanDamme and senior Owen Puhalla as they seek to continue their outstanding seasons at the state tournament.

GIRLS GOLF

DIVISION II DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

The Southeast girls headline the Division II district at Good Park Golf Course in Akron on Tuesday as the team seeks to play at the Division II state tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

DIVISION I DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

The Aurora girls and the Kent Roosevelt girls also advanced to the Division I district at Tanglewood Golf Course in Cuyahoga Falls.

The Rough Riders have a rich tradition advancing to the state tournament, while the Greenmen are looking to also continue their season at Tanglewood.

Finally, Aryana Puleo of Streetsboro also advances to the Division I district as an individual in her senior year.

She advanced as she qualified among the top four individuals not on qualifying teams.

GOOD LUCK

Portage Sports wishes all golfers competing at all of the district tournaments the very best as they seek berths at the state tournaments across Ohio to continue their seasons

It has been an exciting golf season for golfers in their leagues and OHSAA tournaments and we look forward to following the progress of all high school golfers.