The Stow boys golf team finished the 2011 season by finishing in eighth place in the Ohio Division I State Golf Championships this past weekend in Columbus. The team score of 349 was 10 shots better than last year's score when the team finished 7th. "In spite of Friday's conditions, everyone seemed to play the course much better this year", commented Bulldog Golf Coach Ken Miller. "That makes what Ian accomplished even more remarkable."
Bulldogs Sophomore Ian Holt was crowned Co-State Champion in the tournament as he put together rounds of 73-77 for a total of 150. Holt tied with Beau Titsworth of St. Ignatius who also shot 150. "Ian's play this weekend was outstanding." said Miller,"He played with confidence and poise and was the only player in the field not to record a double bogey. On that golf course and under those conditions, that's pretty amazing." Holt becomes the first Bulldog to become State Champion since Mike Morrow accomplished the feat in 1971.
Senior Captain Brandon Nixon followed Holt shooting 81-82-163 for the tournament while Senior Max DeCheco shot 85-82-167, Senior Ryan Foster had 82-87-169 and Eric Jovanovich shot 95-90-185.
"It has been an amazing year, "said Miller. "These kids had some great accomplishments: repeating as NOC River Champions for the fourth year in a row this time undefeated, becoming Sectional and District Champions, and making the trip to Columbus for the 3rd year in a row. And to have the State Champion on our team just tops it all off! I couldn't be more proud off these guys. They are really special."

It took two days to complete, but the Bulldog men's golf team will long remember the 2011 Pine Hills District Golf Tournament. On Wednesday, Senior Eric Jovanovich was the only Bulldog to hit a shot. His drive on the first hole was right down the middle of the fairway, but before he could hit his second shot, play was suspended due to the weather. Play resumed at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning when all 20 teams returned to continue where they left off the previous day. Play was slow as there was much on the line. The top four teams would earn a spot in next week's State Golf Championships in Columbus.
At 4:00 p.m. the final golfer finished his round and the results were in. The Stow Bulldogs had won its first District Golf Championship setting a new tournament record of 297 and had earned its third consecutive trip to the State Golf Championships.
"This is truly unbelievable", said Bulldog Head Coach Ken M iller. "Not only did our kids play great golf, but they beat some pretty good teams in doing so."
Senior Ryan Foster and Sophomore Ian Holt led the Bulldogs as they each fired a one over par 73. "Ryan picked a great time to fire his career low" said Miller, " And Ian showed again why he is one of the best players in the district." Max DeCheco was one shot back of Foster and Holt at 74 and Brandon Nixon finished at 77.
The Bulldog's score of 297 was 7 shots better than second place Walsh and 3rd place St. Ignatius both of whom will join the Bulldogs in Columbus. Medina captured the 4th qualifying spot. The Bulldogs are making their third consecutive trip to Columbus.