by Owen Miklos ‘16
The Saint Ignatius golf team entered this season with lofty expectations. Hungry after finishing fourth at the State tournament the year prior, the core group of seniors refined their games all summer long in preparation for another Columbus run.
Harrison Vonderau ‘16, the de facto team captain, came into the high school season fresh off top-10 finishes at nationally-ranked tournaments, and he would be the go-to man for leadership as the season got underway. After a sluggish start, the four-year varsity veteran found his groove with a 70 at Windmill Lakes, a 71 at Windmill Lakes, and a 73 at Hudson Country Club.
The most impressive player on the team is inarguably Andrew Zawie, whose consistent rounds in the mid- to low-70’s helped to establish his well-deserved spot atop the team ranking early in the season. Throughout sophomore and junior year, Zawie quietly improved his game from deep in the lineup, ensuring that he would clinch a spot on the state team his senior year. Rarely venturing beyond a 75, Zawie’s season has hitherto been highlighted by a stellar 72 at the always difficult Hawthorne Valley and 74’s at Windmill Lakes and Quail Hollow.
Rounding out the top 6 for Coach Becker’s Golf ‘Cats are Geoff Allman ‘16, Zach Morris ‘16, Owen Miklos ‘16, and Patrick Devine ‘16. Allman came into this season a question mark for the golf program, a brutal wrist injury from this past spring preventing him from practicing until the beginning of August. However, inspired by his post-season run from 2014, the hockey player-turned-golf impressed everybody by posting rounds in the low-70’s from the get-go, solidifying his spot on the state team within only a few events.
With two tournaments to go before Sectionals, the experienced Wildcats look to end their season on a high note at Maumee Bay on the 26th and Tartan Fields on 10/3.
