Cougar golfers win WBL championship

Van Wert golf information

ST. MARYS — The Cougars completed the clean sweep in Western Buckeye League golf, winning both the regular season and tournament held Thursday at Northmoor Golf Course.

“The WBL title was one of our goals and we have been pointing toward it since last spring,” said Van Wert Coach Jeff Hood. “I am very happy and proud of our entire team, especially our two seniors who carried us today.”

Seniors Jacob Brake and Tyler Turnwald teed it up an hour apart, but completed the 18-hole course in identical 4-over-par 75s. The two friends and teammates then had to go to sudden death to determine the tournament medalist. Tyler Turnwald made par on the No. 8 hole, the third playoff hole, to grab the honors.

The WBL also determines its all league team using points from the tournament and regular season. The Cougars had three players earn first team all-WBL honors, including Turnwald and Brake, who was earned the most points and was named “Player of the Year” and sophomore Brandon Hernandez. Lucas Etzler earned honorable mention all-WBL honors.

Other Van Wert scores included Etzler and Hernandez, who both shot 88s, and Adam Jurczyk and Justin Price, who shot 92 and 94, respectively.

The Cougars will travel to Bryan on Saturday to compete in the Golden Bear Invitational.

Van Wert golf team members include (front row, from the left) Adam Jurczyk, Brandon Hernandez, Lucas Etzler, Jacob Brake, Tyler Turnwald, and Justin Price; (back row) Coach Jeff Hood. (photo submitted)