The day started with dad following the two younger brothers during their dual match against Springfield at PipeStone Golf Course in Miamisburg, while his wife, Debbie, followed Scott for his match against the University of Dayton at Beavercreek Golf Course.
Adam, a senior, appeared to have family bragging rights for the day when he posted his 2-under par score.
Youngest brother Eric, a sophomore, added to the intrigue when he chipped in on the last hole to match Adam.
“You can imagine the hoopla as little brother as a sophomore was challenging big brother,” Miamisburg coach Tony Ross said. “We were all having fun when Dad gets an updated text from mom (Debbie) and it read: ‘Scott off to a good start turning in a 34 on the front nine at his match.’ Dad turns the phone to me and says, ‘What are the odds?’ ”
“Pretty cool,” Ross added. “Maybe I should start scheduling our matches corresponding to Wright State’s schedule.”
Footnote: Adam turned around the next match and earned family medalist honors with a 33 in a dual match against Chaminade Julienne at PipeStone. That round is a course-low score for the Vikings at their home course since joining the Greater Western Ohio Conference.
Inexperienced Vikings surprisingly strong
Seniors Adam Thompson and Matt Fischer are the only two returning veterans for Miamisburg’s boys golf team, which has turned in a surprisingly strong season.
Thompson, a district qualifier last year, has found younger brother Eric right on his heels all season.
“Adam has taken it well, and we all have had fun, probably the most fun I have had in coaching,” Ross said.
Adding to his enjoyment has been the play of seniors Tyler Huffman and Eric Wead, junior Chris Vanderhorst and sophomore Blake Sandstrom.
“Who would’ve thought we could compete? We have been winning by committee with the seven golfers instead of the usual six like everyone else,” the coach said. “Every one of them has added a score in the 30s for the team. We are doing really well again with a nonveteran team.”
The Vikings are 4-1 in Greater Western Ohio Conference divisional play and 10-2 overall. They posted notable wins over Springboro at Heatherwood Golf Course, Chaminade Julienne at Miami Valley Country Club and Northmont at Moss Creek.
Franklin captain commits to Indiana State
If you ever want to spot Franklin soccer player Sydney Lovelace, just look for a swarm of defenders.
“She usually plays center forward for me, but teams will double, triple and quadruple mark her so I will try to have her roam around,” Wildcats coach Karin Back said.
The Franklin captain has managed to withstand the defensive attention to earn the notice of college coaches. Lovelace recently verbally committed to Indiana State University.
“Syd is one of those players any coach would love to have,” Back said. “She has worked extremely hard to improve her game. She has great speed and agility, amazing ball skills and a real good sense of the game.
“Syd is a very talented athlete. She could play any sport she wanted to and she would probably achieve in those, too.”
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