Dalton golfers WCAL champs

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, Dalton golf coach Jeff Feller and golfers Isaac Mori, Evan Shisler, Jaden Schlabach, Brendan Lehman, Todd Brahler, and Zach Brahler after winning the WCAL championship.

An undefeated season. A Wayne County Athletic League title. Dalton’s varsity golf team has played some close matches this year as the team continues its way to the top. After securing the WCAL crown last week, Bulldogs golf appears to be on its way to a possible repeat of last year when the team competed in the Ohio High School Athletic Association state finals. Last season was the first time Dalton’s golf team had made it to the state level in more than 25 years.

In October 2021, Dalton Golf Coach Jeff Feller along with Dalton’s varsity golf team Todd Brahler, Brendan Lehman, Trevor Horst, Preston Wenger and Jaden Schlabach placed second at districts and represented Dalton at the state golf tournament.

Wenger’s father, Jeff, and his uncle HJ both made it to state when they played golf for Dalton in the 1990s, when the golf program originated at the high school. Jeff Wenger was a sophomore the inaugural year and made it to state as an individual. Two years later, he returned to state as a senior. HJ Wenger made it to state as an individual in 1993 as a sophomore and the entire team followed suit in 1994.

Preston Wenger and Trevor Horst graduated and this year’s varsity golf team includes brothers Todd and Zach Brahler, Brendan Lehman, Jaden Schlabach, Isaac Mori, Evan Shisler, and Keller McFarren.

Dalton Coach Jeff Feller said since he has been coaching the team has never had an undefeated win streak like this season’s. Last year, the Bulldogs placed second in the WCAL championship.

At the Sept. 22 championship, Schlabach was medalist and had a top score of 78. Other top scores were Brendan Lehman 82, Todd Brahler 86, Zach Brahler 83, Isaac Mori, 109 and Evan Shisler 112.

Waynedale Golden Bears top scores were T. Barkman 86, M. Yoder 95, J. Miller 80, H. Miller 94, B. Schlabach, 95 and D. Gingerich 95.

The Bulldogs also played in the State Farm Invitational at Riceland Sept. 24. The Dawgs finished first out of 15 teams with a 318. Top scores were: Todd Brahler 76, Brendan Lehman 76, Jaden Schlabach 78, and Zach Brahler 88.

Dalton plays next in the sectionals on Sept. 28 at Pine Hills.