2023 All TG Golf Awards
ASHLAND − Here are golf awards for the 2023 fall season in Ashland County:
Boys Golfer of the Year
Dylan Bruner, Crestview. The Cougar Senior carried the lowest average for Crestview all season with a 41.3 and was named to the Firelands Conference Honorable Mention Team.
Coach of the Year
Rick Belcher, Crestview. At the Sandusky Sectionals on Sept. 28, Belcher's squad was just 3 strokes (329) behind Galion (326) to finish in fourth place, in a sectional that advanced the top 3 teams.
“Rick is dedicated to the program and to the boys,” Crestview Athletics Director Tim Kuhn said. “Rick is always looking for ways to help improve the game of each player. He is special to the kids because he cares for each of them and wants to see them grow.”
Other considerations
Ashland — A quartet of sophomores led the Arrows this fall, and 2024 could be a quite a season for Ashland. Reed Emmons was a Second Team OCC selection with an 87.6 average. Ryan Eberling (91.5), Ty Bates (94.5) and Landon Dreibelbis (95.5) were also nominated.
Crestview — Aaron Spencer (43.1 per 9), Cole Bowman (43.1), Carter Bowman (43.6) and Brennan Fulk (44.5) were the Cougar nods.
Loudonville — Judah Layton averaged a fine 39.4 for the Redbirds, and the junior should be in contention for POY in 2024.
Hillsdale — Byron Bickel and Kambin Smith were Third Year winners for Hillsdale this fall. Landen Timms, Cade Hawley and AJ Brown were all Second Year Award winners for the Falcons.
Girls Golfer of the Year
Lydia Wells, Ashland. The senior standout averaged a remarkable 88 for 9 holes for Ashland and was a First Team All-OCC selection.
“Her dedication to the sport makes her a great athlete,” praised coach Mason Berry. “She has an intrinsic motivation driving her to continue to improve and succeed.
“Her positive presence and supportive nature,” he added about what makes her special. “As a leader on our team this year, she did an excellent job of supporting our younger players through continual reinforcement and advice.”
Coach of the Year
Dan Priest, Ashland.
“Dan is a great teacher first and foremost,” said AHS Athletics Director Jason Goings. “His biggest strength is his ability to teach the game from novice to state qualifier. He can meet players where they are and take them to the next level. He is knowledgeable and patient.”
Goings said everyone understands that Priest is always available to the athletes.
“Dan upholds the strong tradition of Ashland High School Golf by living the standard each and every day,” added Goings. “He commits this time year around to help our golfers improve their game. Our kids know he is accessible and eager to help them become better golfers, and that means the tradition will continue.”
Other considerations
Crestview — Elyse Belcher. Belcher was the team medalist in every match for Crestview this fall and was the outright match medalist in 3 of Crestview’s 4 matches. Her 9-hole scoring average was a fine 44.9, and her 50-50-100 at the Galion Sectional left her one spot short of qualifying for districts. Deryn Moore shot a 52 at the Ashland Invite and a 55 at Galion and followed up with a 57 the second time at Galion.
Ashland — Elleni Miller was a First Team All-OCC selection and finished 2023 with a 92 average. Kyah Huckleberry was a Second Team All OCC selection and averaged a 90 on the season.
Hillsdale — Dally Meek was a Third Year winner for the Falcons.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: 2023 All TG Golf Awards
