LOGAN – There’s something about the district golf tournament that the Ironton Fighting Tigers just seem to like.

Saturday, October 07, 2000

LOGAN – There’s something about the district golf tournament that the Ironton Fighting Tigers just seem to like.

For the sixth straight year, Ironton won the Division II district championship and will head to the state tournament Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14, at Ohio State University.

It was also the second straight year that Ironton failed to win the sectional but rebounded to take first place in the district.

"This is a solid group all the way across. It was like they smelled the state tournament and they all brought their A-game," Ironton coach Bill Washburn said.

Ironton’s team score of 310 was well ahead of runner-up Unioto which had a 336. Portsmouth West, second in the sectional, was third in the district with a 345 score.

Adam Rudmann led the Fighting Tigers with a strong 75, just two strokes off medalist Matt Cooperrider of Sheridan.

Andy Brown was just two strokes back of Rudmann with a 77, Josh Cartmell fired a 78, Zach Christian carded an 80, and Bo McGinnis shot an 85.

"Adam and Andy played like they’re capable, and Josh Cartmell played awful well. He’s been a pleasant surprise," Washburn said.

"Christian has been out three weeks with an injured thumb and couldn’t grip a club for weeks. For him to shoot an 80 was super."

Although McGinnis had the team’s fifth score, he was Ironton’s low score in the sectional. Washburn said team balance has been the key all season.

"Anyone can step up out of this group. Bo has played well all year. I’m not worried about him," Washburn said.

Westfall was fourth with a 347 score followed by Circleville with a 348, West Union 352, New Lexington 356, and the Fairland Dragons were eighth with a 361 total.

It was quite a turnabout for Fairland which won the sectional last week but struggled on the unfamiliar course.

Matt Hansford led Fairland with an 81 and Josh Dunfee carded an 87. Austin Burcham finished with a 95, Kyle Leadman 98, and J. J. Ferris had a 99.

Wheelersburg’s Paul Miller shot a 77 to finish third individually and earn a berth in the state tournament. Teammate Mike Adkins shot an 85.

Ironton, which has won three state titles and finished runners-up twice, is now 91-13 on the season.