SYRACUSE – Despite the blustery conditions, Wawasee played just well enough to beat Manchester 179-181 in a boys golf match at South Shore Golf Club Thursday. Whitko was third at 194. Wawasee’s Zach Leedy and Manchester’s Harley Kruschwitz tied for medalist honors, each carding three-over par 39. The difference maker for the Warriors was Evan Dippon, the No. 4 player, who came through with a 40. Dillon Drake had a 47, with Cameron Brill and Luke Weisser each turning in a 53 on the front nine. “We were just trying to survive. It was cold,” Wawasee head coach Steve Coverstone said. “Zach and Evan both played good rounds in the cold and windy conditions. Zach has been off his game, and his score was more indicative of what he can do.” “We played better, but we’re pretty young and inexperienced. We had a couple of 53s and had to count one of them, and that’s not a good thing. But when you’re playing in this kind of weather, it’s tough.” Manchester was consistent, with four players breaking 50, and the fifth narrowly missing. Parker Wagoner had a 45, Nathan Self a 48, Konrad Bergman a 49 and Klayton Hendrix a 51. Squire coach Rex Reimer said the weather always affects play, but not so much the mindset of his team. “The ball definitely travels a lot different when it’s colder out, versus when it’s warmer,” he said. “But with this group, I don’t know if the weather bothers them. They could go out there and play in shorts and T-shirts in this kind of stuff.” Cade Bechtold, Whitko’s No. 2 player, carded a 40 to lead the Wildcats. Tim Gensch posted a 47, with Caleb Busz at 50 and Cole Cmar at 57. “We’re actually getting better every time we play,” Wildcat coach Mark Cmar said. “We started out with a 203, then 201, 198 and now a 194. So we have some guys who are improving. “Tim Gensch has been pretty consistent, and Caleb and Cole have been improving as the season goes on. Cade sot a 40, which is his best round so far this year.” Coach Cmar, Cole’s grandfather, said he reminded his team they have to be ready regardless of the weather. “I told them on the way that we have to be able to handle any conditions that are thrown at them. As long as there’s no lightning, we gotta play golf.” All three teams are scheduled to return to South Shore Saturday for the Wawasee Invitational.
WAWASEE 179, MANCHESTER 181 WHITKO 194 Wawasee – Zach Leedy 39, Evan Dippon 40, Dillon Drake 47, Cameron Brill 53, Luke Weisser 53. Manchester – Harley Kruschwitz 39, Parker Wagoner 45, Nathan Self 48, Konrad Bergman 49, Klayton Hendrix 51. Whitko – Cade Bechtold 40, Tim Gensch 47, Caleb Busz 50, Cole Cmar 57.
