Avon Wins Golf State Title

For the first time in school history, the Avon Orioles are state champions.

Led by sophomore Patrick Rodgers, who claimed individual state runner-up honors, Avon edged Evansville North by two strokes (587-589) to win the 73rd IHSAA Boys Golf State Finals. The team title marks the program's and school's first state championship.

Carrying a three-stroke lead (293-296) into Wednesday's second round at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course in Franklin, the Orioles maintained their advantage over Evansville North as seniors Andrew Wegneg and Jonathan Jozefowski both the second round at even par (72).

Evansville North junior David Mills helped cut the Orioles' lead to two strokes after posting consecutive round scores of 71, but Avon's second-round score of 294 was enough to keep the Huskies (293) at bay. Mills and Rodgers both tied for runner-up distinctions at 142. Rodgers shot a 69 in the first round and finished the second with a 73.

Mishawaka Marian senior Adam Sumrall captured the 2008-09 individual state title, finishing the tournament at 140 after shooting a 74 in the first round and a remarkable 6-under-par (66) in the second.

Defending team state champion Cathedral placed third while Hamilton Southeastern and Brebeuf were fifth and eighth, respectively.

Roncalli sophomore Andrew Fogg shot 144 for fourth place. Lebanon senior Josh Frisby tied Evansville Central's Tyler Merkel for fifth at 145.

Coached by Brent Sailor, the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association's Coach of the Year in 2008, Avon also captured their fourth consecutive sectional title at Martinsville Golf Club earlier this month. At regional, Avon placed third behind Cathedral and runner-up Brebeuf.