The Southeast boys golf team qualified for the district tournament for the first time in school history.

By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

Sometimes the OHSAA tournaments mark the end of a high school team’s season, however, sometimes it is a source of success for teams as they look to advance to the state tournament and the pinnacle of Ohio golf.

At the Windmill Division II Sectional, Portage County teams did not have their hopes dashed.

Three of the four teams at the sectional experienced success as the Southeast boys team and individuals from Streetsboro and Garfield played their way to the Windmill Division II District next week.

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

The Southeast boys grabbed the third-qualifying spot to advance among the top-three teams that included Poland Seminary and Cardinal Mooney.

This is a record-setting performance for the Pirates as it is believed this is the first time a Pirates team has advanced to district, although there have been several individuals over the years.

“I am so excited for the team,” said Mike Jenior, coach of the Pirates. “They fought through tough conditions and a very rough start, but our grit and depth continue to shine through.

“This is such an important milestone for our program to possibly be the first boys team to make it to the district tournament,” Jenior added. “It is fulfilling and shows the importance of our Pirates Play Golf program and the countless junior programs at our home course, Olde Dutch Mill. The course gives kids a place to learn, play and love the game. It truly takes a village.

“We are excited for next week and I know this team has all the capabilities of making it to the state tournament. We just have to continue to rely on each other and trust our game.” concluded Jenior.

The Pirates’ team advanced to the district with the strength of individual scores that included: Senior Cole Bruno 85, sophomore Owen Dembroski 85, senior Alex Peelish 86, senior Ethan Shodd 89 and sophomore Logan Shodd 104.

CARTER HADDOX, GARFIELD

STREETSBORO AND GARFIELD INDIVIDUALS

It was a tough effort on the drenched Par-70 fairways at Windmill Lakes. The all-day rain on Monday made it difficult for golfers despite the great conditions that Windmill always offers golfers.

Dominic Marcini, a Streetsboro senior (80) and Carter Haddox, a Garfield sophomore (82), each grabbed one of the top-three qualifying spots for individuals not on qualifying teams.

Marcini’s 80 was the fifth best score in the entire tournament and Haddox’s 82 tied for sixth place.

Both scores earned Marcini and Haddox the opportunity to play at the Division II District at Windmill Lakes Golf Course osday.

“Dom has worked extremely hard the last few years to get where he is,” said Bruce Thomas, coach of the Streetsboro Rockets. “He hasn’t been playing as well as he could this year, but the last few days, he worked on his weaknesses and it all came together for him today. I know he’ll keep working and his goal all years has been to qualify for the state tournament.”

“Carter had a great round and did a good job of not letting the cold conditions affect his game,” said Garfield coach Zach Longanecker. “He was hitting off the tee really well and I look forward to what he can do next week.”

DOM MARCINI, STREETSBORO

2026 AURORA INVITATIONAL

The Aurora Greenmen again hosted the team’s annual invitational at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora. Nine teams competed, with Hoban earning the one-stroke victory over Aurora.

Among a tough field, Kent Roosevelt finished in seventh place, just 21 strokes out of first.

Nick Polak, of Aurora, earned medalist honors on the Par-72 fairways of Barrington with an outstanding score of 69 — as runner-up medalists included Andrew VanDamme (Kent Roosevelt) and Ben Berridge (Hoban), each carding even-par 72s.