Denny was a sophomore the last time he advanced beyond sectionals.
“It feels good to win,” Denny said. “I’ve been playing pretty good this year. I just hope I can keep it going at districts.”
Denny and the Spartans were in the second wave of teams to tee off Wednesday morning, so for about an hour Alter’s Andy Henehan was in the lead with an even-par 72.
“I just tried to keep the ball low today,” Denny said. “It was windy and cold this morning, so I knew if I hit it high I’d have no chance.”
Oakwood won the team title with a 299, followed by Alter (305), Fenwick (340) and Chaminade Julienne (344) as the top four teams advance to the district meet, as well as the top four individuals not on a qualifying team.
Denny was the first of the individuals. He’ll be joined by Brookville’s Matt Polston (83) and Monroe’s Logan Rutter and Preble Shawnee’s Evan Rogers, both of whom won in a four-way playoff for the final two spots.
“It feels good,” said Rutter, who had an 84 in regulation, then birdied the first playoff hole to advance. “I was a little nervous, but I just put that all aside, blocked everything out and made a good shot.”
Rogers (84) advanced by winning the second playoff hole.
Fenwick’s Alex Nikias finished tied for third overall with a 74. The senior was a state qualifier a year ago where he finished 11th in Division II.
“I wasn’t trying to do anything special today,” said Nikias, admitting that Pipestone isn’t his favorite course. “My goal is always just to qualify, but there are a couple of holes that get on my nerves. No. 18 has had my number every year, but the course was in great shape.
“I felt some pressure today because I didn’t want to lose my patience here,” he continued. “These qualifiers aren’t easy. My only goal today was to get back to Weatherwax (Golf Course).”
This also was the first time in three years the Falcons advanced to district as a team.
“Surprised,” Fenwick coach Joe Wagner said of his team’s accomplishment. “I’m happy, but surprised. We did not play as well as we can, but it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to go back Weatherwax as a team.”
The D-II district tournament will be Oct. 8 at Weatherwax.
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