When Ben Olewiler teed it up for the first time at last year’s state tournament, the moment got the better of him.
“I shanked my tee shot at the very first hole,” Olewiler said. “My nerves were awful.”
The Crestview junior and his battle-tested teammates should be in better control of their emotions as they begin defense of their Division III state championship Friday at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course.
“The experience of getting to state last year, and then winning a state championship, will definitely help,” said Olewiler, who righted the ship after his errant tee shot last fall and finished in a tie for ninth place, earning a spot on the All-Ohio second team in the process. “Last year our mindset was we just didn’t want to finish last. This year our expectations are different. We know we have the ability to win it again.”
The Cougars earned the right to defend their state crown with a second-place finish at last week’s Bowling Green district tournament at Stone Ridge Golf Club. The Cougars fired a team total of 325, 13 shots behind district champion Ottawa Hills (312). Van Buren (330) was third and Lima Central Catholic (331) was fourth.
Crestview finished third at the rugged Northwest District tournament last fall before catching lightning in a bottle at North Star Golf Club in Sunbury. The Cougars two-day team total of 646 was five strokes better than Wellington School and Columbus Academy.
“Last year we really didn’t have a clue what we were in for,” Crestview coach Bob Olewiler said. “We kind of know what’s going on this year.
“We’ve played at tougher venues against tougher competition. I’m sure there will still be some nerves Friday morning, but these guys know what to expect now.”
Josh Brooks and Bryce Lutz both earned spots on the All-Ohio first team at last year’s state tournament. Brooks tied for second with a two-day total of 151. Lutz shot a 153.
Brooks, Lutz and Olewiler will be joined by Michael Staniford and Joe Stimpert. Staniford carded a 191 at state last fall, while Stimpert will make his state tournament debut. Brooks is the lone senior of the bunch. Lutz, Olewiler and Staniford are juniors and Stimpert is a sophomore.
Lutz led the way at last week’s district with a 78. Brooks shot a 79 and Olewiler carded an 81. Stimpert had an 87 and Staniford fired an 88.
“We finished second at the district tournament and none of our three No. 1 men shot particularly well,” Bob Olewiler said. “I say we have three No. 1 players because any of those guys could be the top player on a lot of teams in the area.”
As defending state champion, Crestview will wear a target on its back this weekend.
“We’re used to it,” Ben Olewiler said. “We’ve had a big bullseye all season. Everybody we play is gunning for us.
“I kind of like it actually.”
The elder Olewiler is expecting good things this weekend.
“This is a good group of kids and they have worked hard to get back here,” he said. “They are playing pretty good golf right now.
“You never know what’s going to happen once you get there. Anyone can have a career day and anyone can have an off day. I just hope we are able to limit our mistakes.”
Unchecked emotions shouldn’t be a problem Friday morning.
“We’ve met quite a few of the teams we’ll see this weekend during the regular season,” Bob Olewiler said. “We’ve played in some prestigious events. Once we get off the first tee, I think they will handle it just fine.”
Ben Olewiler doesn’t expect another poor drive on the first hole.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “My nerves aren’t nearly as bad as they were last year.
“We’re going to go down there and play our best and hopefully everyting turns out well.”
Follow Curt Conrad on Twitter @curtjconrad.
