Minster wins fourth straight Homan Memorial
By Tim Langevin
A woman’s conviction. A winning tradition. And one player on the rise. That’s plenty of headlines for the Silver Anniversary of a golf tournament.
The Scott Homan Memorial golf tournament played out Monday just as it has the past 25 years. And the host of this fun tournament for high school youngsters across the Miami Valley, Cindy Homan Walk, was granted what she wished for – sunny skies and a celebration of life.
Scott Homan was killed in a car crash at the age of 16 back in 1986. He played golf for the Piqua Indians. Instead of mourning, Mrs. Homan Walk decided to organize a golf tournament in remembrance of her son. It has been a tremendous success ever since.
Ninety players and 18 teams battled Piqua Country Club’s 6,483-yard layout under ideal playing conditions and Minster walked away with its fourth straight Homan Invitational title. It wasn’t easy, though, as Troy was the clubhouse leader with a 323 score. But an 83 from fifth man Matt Wuebker in the final group, snatched the trophy from the Trojans. Minster finished with a 318 total.
“The kids stepped up and played well today. I am pleased where we are at this start of the season,” said second-year Minster coach Dave Borchers. ”We lost a lot of talent last year. It was good to see last year’s JV players step up and shoot low. It really helped to have a freshman in Xavier Francis shoot a 79. And of course, four-year starter Austin Fischer played well, shooting 75.”
It wasn’t easy for Fischer, either, as he started the day at +5 after five holes, but then played the final 13 holes -2 under.
Borchers said, ” Austin really grinded. I think this team has a lot to prove. We have had great success the past few years and this group doesn’t want to disappoint. Just like Delphos in football. Their program is successful because of the tradition. Likewise, these kids want to be a part of the golf program. Success builds.”
No doubt. The Wildcats have won seven MAC titles, six in a row, and have made it to state four of the last six years, including a 2009 state championship.
Another successful D-III golf program is Lehman Catholic. The Cavaliers finished third with a 324 score led by senior Ben Thieman, who took medalist honors with a -1 under par 71. Thieman has elevated his game the past year with hard work and stiff competition against top players in the country at Junior events.
“This summer showed me what’s out there,” Thieman said. “Yes, I won this tournament, but there are a lot of great golfers all over the country. Those tournaments make me play at a higher level. I think I can play D-I golf in college. I will do all I can with my game.”
“Gentle Ben” finished T17 in the Ohio Junior with rounds of 75-80-155. He placed third in the Shelby County Open with a 70-74-144 score. Last week, Thieman shot rounds of 71-76-72-219 at a big AJGA event in Indiana. He is currently ranked 48th in the state’s top 100, but should move up to top 20 after his performance in Indiana.
Like many of the golfers, Thieman started slow with bogeys on two of his first three holes, but an eagle on the par five eighth hole changed all that. He hit a monstrous drive, a 9-iron, and one putted the 480-yard hole. Then he parred nine and then birdied holes 10, 11, and 16 en route to a 33 on the back side.
Thieman played the four par five holes -5 under. That was the difference-maker.
Thieman said, “I picked apart the par fives. If you can manage the par fives, you have a chance to win tournaments.”
Co-runner-up Calvin Milligan recorded a 74. The Sidney senior started his round bogey, double-bogey, then went eagle, par, birdie to finish with a 36 on the front side. Teammate Matt Slonaker shot a 77 with a triple-bogey on the last hole. Urbana’s Karl Singer was the other 74 shooter.
Lehman coach of 16 seasons, Elmer Schlater said, “This is such a great tournament. Thanks to the Homan family. I feel good about this team. We have to rely on our top three players (Thieman, Tyler Bergman, John Copella). We’re searching for that 4th, 5th, and 6th man. We are really young. Had a nice round from freshman Sam Dean. Have to work some other kids in this week and see how they perform. If we can get a solid 4th man, like in the 80s, then we have a chance to make it to state.”
Many of the coaches and golfers agreed, “It’s a great tournament. The Homan family does a wonderful job.”
Yes indeed. A country club atmosphere with photo albums from past tournaments, huge trophies, plenty of food, and most of all, “…a life worth celebrating.”
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