Nerves not part of his game

Others to watch

Willy Davidge, Talawanda: Senior was player of the year in FAVC Scarlet and a Division I district qualifier in 2008

Matt Sorrows, Lakota East: Senior was medalist at Fairfield Invitational earlier this week with 1-under 69

Adam Zuleger, Fairfield: Senior was second-team All-GMC last season

Kari Hogeback, Lakota West: Senior was first-team All-GMC pick last year and finished 25th at state tourney

Lindsey Mapes, Fairfield: Senior was second-team All-GMC and a district qualifier last year

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Korey Ward has always thought of himself as a leader.

Since he was a freshman on Lakota West High School’s boys golf team, Ward has embraced that role.

“They look up to me, and I need to be there to help them think on the golf course,” said Ward, a junior. “To help make them better and us, as a team, better.”

And that’s the challenge Firebirds coach Chris Conway has for Ward, the defending Division I state champion.

“Korey would love to defend his title,” Conway said. “But the big goal really is try to lead this team to qualify for the state championships. If the guys can learn from Korey — pick his brain — that would be a big accomplishment for Korey this year. We know he’s talented.

“He wants to somehow, over the next two years, get the team to state.”

Last October, in chilly, windy conditions, Ward fired a 36-hole total of 151, earning medalist honors at the Ohio State’s Scarlet Course.

It marked the first individual state golf champion in school history.

“I feel I have a really good chance at doing it again,” Ward said, “with all my experience and how well I usually do in all tournaments.”

Ward realizes that as the reigning state champ, he’s a marked man. But he doesn’t mind the pressure.

“I’ve played in international and national tournaments since I was 9 years old,” Ward said. “Pressure and nerves are really easy for me to handle.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.