BY NOAH PURCELL
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Clarkston’s golfers have been in control of the OAA Division I lead for about two weeks now ? but wrapping up a first place finish with a 152-168 win over Lake Orion on Sept. 29 was still nice.
‘The kids were pleased to win the league, but they thought they were going to. It’s definitely a plus but it wasn’t a big emotional thing,? said Clarkston Coach Tim Kaul.
The Wolves completed an unblemished dual meet season at 6-0 against the Dragons behind the strong play of senior Pat McIlrath who medaled with a 35. Seniors Rob Ronk (38), Mike Horn (39) and Zach McDonald (40) also counted in Clarkston’s victory.
Coming out of their league-clinching victory, the Wolves managed to saved enough sweet strokes to finish in second place at the district tournament on Sept. 30 at Heather Highlands. Grand Blanc outshot Clarkston for the district crown posting a 314 to the Wolves? 316. Rochester Adams finished in third with a 319.
While a team title eluded the Wolves at districts, Horn’s 73 was the low score of the tournament. McDonald followed with a 79, Sophomore Matt Fuller shot a 81 and Ronk finished with an 83.
‘A big part of our success this year is having (Ronk, Horn and McDonald) who went to the State tournament last year. Playing there made them realize what they were capable of accomplishing,? said Kaul.
Last year’s golf team ended up finished tenth in the state, but did not start playing at a high level until late in the year ? a stark contrast to this year’s team which blazed through their dual match season undefeated and won the Eccentric Tournament and the second OAA tournament.
Looking back over the season Kaul feels the crucial point of Clarkston’s season so far was three wins in a row on the road; Sept. 20 against Rochester, Sept. 21 against defending OAA champ Rochester Adams and Sept. 26 against Lahser.
‘That one little stretch is where we put ourselves in position to win the league. To win all three of those on the road was tough. You have the same dimensions on any football field or basketball court, but there is a huge home course advantage in golf,? said Kaul.
Before Clarkston heads to Regionals at Flushing Valley on Oct. 6, the Wolves will host Waterford Kettering at Oakhurst Country Club for a final dual match of the year on Oct. 5.