FINDLAY — Lexington’s bid for a state tournament berth came to a halt Thursday at Red Hawk Run.
The Minutemen shot a team total of 323, finishing sixth at the Division I district tournament.
District champ Toledo St. John’s (304) and runner-up Sylvania Northview (310) earned the two qualifying spots for next week’s state tournament at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course. Only the top two teams and top two individuals advanced to state from the Northwest District.
“It’s a tough golf course and our guys struggled on their first nine,” Lex coach Ryan Zahn said. “I’m proud of the way the kids fought back in the afternoon.”
Kaleb Smith led Lexington with a 78. Charles Mikelait and Spencer Stierhoff each shot 81, while Joey Zahn carded an 83. Tommy Barkett had a 93.
Lexington improved on last year’s district performance by nine strokes.
“We shot a 332 last year and 320 made it to state,” Zahn said. “There were a lot of good teams and a lot of good golfers up there.”
The two individual qualifying spots went to Findlay’s Spencer Shoemaker (70) and Bowling Green’s Trey Walker (73).
Toledo St. John’s Jack Mancinotti, who will tee it up for Ohio State next fall, took medalist honors with a 68.
Lexington will return four of its top five golfers next season.
“This was a good experience for the younger guys. It’s definitely something they can build from,” Zahn said. “Hopefully we can get back up there next year and take the next step.”
