Medalist Brady Barnum leads Dublin Jerome boys golf to OHSAA Division I state title

AKRON – Led by junior Brady Barnum’s medalist performance, the Dublin Jerome boys golf team outlasted central Ohio rival St. Charles to capture its first Division I state title since 2019 and 10th overall on Oct. 13 at Firestone Country Club. 

The Celtics edged St. Charles 578-580, holding off the Cardinals after having a five-stroke lead following the first round Oct. 12. 

“We have so many great teams around the state and especially in the Central District,” Jerome coach Brad Sparling said. “We feel really fortunate to win. Our team played great. St. Charles played great. We were just blessed to come out on top. I’m really happy for the boys. They worked really hard. I’m super excited for them and (assistant) coach (Chris) Carlisle and our school.” 

Jerome also claimed the Division I girls title, marking the first time since 2013 that both programs won team championships.

After shooting a 69 in the first round, Barnum finished with a 137 to come in three shots ahead of runner-up Toku Fujiwara, a senior from West Chester Lakota West. Barnum became the Celtics’ first individual state champion since Tyler Groomes in 2019. 

“It’s been a long time,” Barnum said. “The first year I was here, we didn’t even make it (to state), and that was disappointing. Last year, we didn’t play our best (and finished fourth), and to finally get it done not just as an individual but as a team as well, it feels really good. It’s a big weight off our shoulders.” 

Sparling, who is in his second season, was not surprised by Barnum’s performance. 

“I knew Brady was going to bring it today,” Sparling said. “He’s a competitor. He’s the real deal and I’m excited for him.” 

St. Charles junior Harry Hadden finished fourth (144) and Upper Arlington senior Will Mangas tied for fifth (145). 

Jerome junior Evan Menges and St. Charles senior Mikey Pagnotto tied for seventh (146), and Jerome senior Trent Thompson tied St. Charles sophomore Pierce Stealey and St. Charles junior Hudson Burkey for 10th (148). 

Also for Jerome, senior Blake Hartman tied for 13th (149) and freshman Blaise Barnum tied for 34th (157). 

“It was a long four years of hard work and preparation to get to this point, and it feels good to finally get it done,” said Hartman, who will play at James Madison. “We played well every year, but we couldn’t get it done.” 

St. Charles senior Beckham Martin tied for 16th (150).

It was the Cardinals’ best finish since placing second in 2016. 

“We felt all year that Jerome and St. Charles were two of the best teams, and we battled all year,” St. Charles coach Brian Unk said. “I’m happy for Jerome. They have a great program. Our boys fought hard. We had a tough start yesterday and a tough middle of the round today, but I’m proud of their effort. ... At one point today we were 12 shots back and came back and cut it to two. It was a good season.” 

New Albany finished 10th (653) and was led by freshman Elijah Hall-Bromberg (153, tied for 25th). Senior Nolan Kniese (164, tied for 51st), sophomores Ethan Hall and Shay Routhier (170, tied for 59th) and sophomore Nicholas Thompson (172, 62nd) also competed for the Eagles. 

Teays Valley freshman Deacon Kroeger tied for 16th (150) and Watterson senior Alex McMahon tied for 43rd (160). 

High school sports reporter Frank DiRenna can be reached at [email protected] and at@DispatchFrank on X.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Medalist Brady Barnum leads Jerome boys golf to OHSAA state title