Newark Catholic came as close as any team could to winning the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III boys state golf championship, falling one shot short on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course.

The Green Wave, coached by Phil West, entered the second of two rounds tied for the lead with Warren John F. Kennedy and was in the lead on the final day before JFK charged from 12 strokes behind to claim the razor-thin victory.

Newark Catholic posted a two-day total of 649 after rounds of 320 and 329, a 15-stroke improvement from last year when the Green Wave also finished as the runner-up behind Cincinnati Seven Hills.

Senior Max Vanoy was Newark Catholic’s top individual finisher, claiming 12th with a two-round total of 13-over-par 155. He was followed by sophomore Bobby Kieber (tied for 20th, 161), junior Brogan Sullivan (tied for 31st, 167), senior Brian Luft (tied for 33rd, 168) and senior Nathan Riggleman (tied for 36th, 169).

The three seniors will continue their golf careers in college next year. Vanoy has committed to NCAA Division II Tiffin University, Luft to Division II Barton College in North Carolina and Riggleman to Division II University of Findlay.

Newark Catholic’s recent run of success has included third place in 2021 and sixth in 2020. The Green Wave was bidding for its first state title in golf.

Newark Catholic’s Brogan Sullivan hits off the 10th tee during the Division III boys state golf tournament Oct. 14 at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course. Photo courtesy John Hulkenberg
Newark Catholic’s Nathan Riggleman hits off the first tee during the Division III boys state golf tournament Oct. 13 at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course. Photo courtesy John Hulkenberg
Newark Catholic’s Nathan Riggleman and coach Phil West stand near the first tee during the Division III boys state golf tournament Oct. 13 at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course. Photo courtesy John Hulkenberg
Newark Catholic’s Max Vanoy watches his ball after hitting off the first tee in the Division III boys state golf tournament Oct. 13 at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course. Photo courtesy John Hulkenberg