The Kent Roosevelt boys golf team captured the outright championship of the Suburban League’s American Conference.

By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

It was a very successful week for many Portage County golf teams, winning another conference championship and advancing to the OHSAA district tournaments — one step closer to the state tournaments.

The golf season continues this week with Division I teams at sectional events, Division II teams at district and a few teams keeping their golfers sharp by playing matches on open dates.

ROUGH RIDERS CAPTURE SUBURBAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The boys from Kent gathered in the high-school gymnasium on Monday to celebrate their Suburban League American Conference championship and have their photo taken with the winning plaque.

Another important step in the season that has seen Roosevelt just miss winning one of the Suburban tournaments, but always earning a close second place in the four events at different golf courses to win the championship outright.

At the final of four tournaments at Good Park Golf Course, Roosevelt missed winning the tournament by one stroke behind Copley, but continued the consistency that earned the title.

“I am super proud of our boys’ effort both at the final tournament and throughout this season thus far,” said Chris Nauer, first-year coach of the Rough Riders.

“Our guys have put in the work throughout the summer and off-season to get to this point. They have battled in all of our matches and invitationals this season and their hard work and dedication to the program and the game of golf paid off with the Suburban League title.

“With that being said, as a team that was their first goal of the season, to win the league, but they have a lot left in the tank and they want to continue this season through sectionals and districts with the end goal of playing at Firestone, the site of the D-I state tournament,” continued the coach. “I could not be more proud of this group of young men, great golfers and even better individuals.”

CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR PREVIOUS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

The Southeast boys and girls golf teams made history this season as both teams won their respective divisionsn the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Streetsboro joined the conference championship party as the Rockets won the Metro Athletic Conference title.

Southeast continues to the postseason after both James Morgan qualified as an individual at the Division II Sectional at Windmill, playing again at Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna this Tuesday.

The Pirate girls finished second in their sectional tournament at Punderson and continue to the Division II district tournament on Wednesday at Good Park Golf Course in Akron.

The Streetsboro boys join individual qualifier James Morgan of Southeast at the Windmill District on Tuesday.

Mogadore earned a berth at the Division III district tournament, qualifying at Salem Hills Golf Club in Salem and will continue their trek to the state tournament on Oct. 6 at Tannenhauf Golf Club in Alliance.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I always mention that golf is just a different beast for athletes, walking and talking with their opponents for four hours or more on a completely different playing area each and every single match or tournament.

But it is a different coverage for a sports writer as well.

In many sports, the writers are confined to press boxes until the end of the game or can stand near the sidelines.

And it may be impossible to attend several games that are playing at the same time.

Not true in golf.

Athletes often wave as they are walking, hold their shots when a photo is taken and know that even the journalists watching are just as happy for their success as they are.

I was thrilled to be able to go to the Windmill Sectional at Windmill to see James Morgan’s success and to travel to Good Park Golf Course in Akron, Riceland Golf Course in Newton Falls and Punderson Golf Course in Newbury all on Thursday to witness the success and near misses of Kent Roosevelt’s championship and the Southeast girls earn a spot at the district.

What a great week watching and reporting on the success of your sons and daughters as they enjoy both individual and team accomplishments.

See you on the fairways this week.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

BOYS GOLF

• MONDAY: Aurora @ OHSAA D1 Windmill Lakes Sectional.
• TUESDAY: Streetsboro and James Morgan, Southeast @ OHSAA D2 Windmill District;  Kent Roosevelt @ OHSAA D1 Tannenhauf Sectional.
• MONDAY 10/6: Mogadore @ OHSAA D2 Tannenhauf District.

GIRLS GOLF

• MONDAY: Aurora @ Hudson; Streetsboro @ CVCA.
• WEDNESDAY: Southeast @ OHSAA D2 Good Park District; Streetsboro @ OHSAA D1 Fox Den Sectional; Aurora and Kent Roosevelt @ OHSAA D1 Old Avalon Sectional.