FORT WAYNE — With their four qualifying scores all within two strokes of par Thursday, it’s easy to see why the Warsaw boys golf team is ranked fourth in the state. In just their second dual meet of the season, the Warsaw Tigers (2-0) defeated Fort Wayne Blackhawk (3-3) by a score of 148-162 on Cherry Hill Golf Club’s par-36 front nine. “I don’t think we ever compare ourselves with the other team,” Warsaw assistant coach Tad Nieter said. “We always try to set goals for ourselves. As a team, and as an individual, they’re setting their own goals. Coming in with the mindset of just pushing yourself, and not really worrying about what your opponent is doing (is what we’re doing).” Nieter filled in for head coach Ben Barkey, who was away for a conference meeting, but he took notes on what to report back about. “I saw a lot of good progress with everybody, especially (senior) Tyler (Ostrom) and (senior) Bennett (Hollar). They’re starting to hit the ball a lot better and getting into a little more rhythm.” Hollar finished his round with a 37, making three birdies, while Ostrom reported a 38, getting one birdie. “Tyler was hitting the ball great,” Nieter said. “He was just getting few bad breaks.” Ostrom entered the season as the defending state champion, but like previous years, he appears to be saving his best for late-season tournaments. “It just comes with time,” Nieter said about the Ball State-bound Ostrom. “After a long winter, it’s about slowly coming into the rhythm of it. Sooner, rather than later, he’s going to find his niche and I think everybody’s going to have to watch out after that.” While Ostrom is finding his groove, junior Jon Schram has been playing well, shooting a one-under 35 Thursday. Beginning his round 3-under after four holes, Schram actually four-putted the par-3 sixth hole, but went on to claim five birdies. “Jon has a great attitude,” Nieter said about the match medalist. “He never complains about anything. He’s a go-getter and always after the win. He always wants to be the best, so I think that’s going to come up big for us in the postseason.” Other scores from the win were sophomore Jared Essig’s 38, while junior Tim Ahlersmeyer and freshman Jonny Hollar shot a 43 and 41, respectively. The Tigers will take part in Saturday’s Spring Preview, which will be played at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin, the site of the state championship.
WARSAW 148, F.W. BLACKHAWK 162 (Cherry Hill GC, Par 36) Medalist – Jon Schram (W) 35 Warsaw – Tyler Ostrom 38, Schram 35, Tim Ahlersmeyer 43, Bennett Hollar 37, Jonny Hollar 41, Jared Essig 38 Blackhawk – Tegan Wild 39, Keegan Williams 40, Logan Choka 44, Josh Buck 43, Conler Brandenberger 48, Matthew McNeal 40 Records: Warsaw 2-0, Blackhawk 3-3
