By Cort Reynolds
First of a series of Ada fall sports previews
ADA - The gradual upward climb of the building Ada boys golf program continues in 2019 with the return of several capable players to go with five newcomers.
Seventh-year head coach Jason Campbell welcomes three lettermen and five experienced players back to the fold. Senior southpaw Alex Morgan and classmate Ethan Hull return to pace the 10-man roster.
"I am excited about the talent on the team," said veteran coach Campbell. "We have a deep roster. They are a coachable group who is very capable of improving in a technical sport like golf.
"Our two seniors have leadership roles to fill in after the graduation of three four-year seniors," he noted.
Junior Brevin Sizemore, and sophomores Kamron Wilkerson and Dexter Woods return to the team along with seniors Hull and Morgan.
"Alex has the potential to be an All-NWC golfer," said Campbell of Morgan, the team's number three golfer last year. "He is strong off the tee box and on the greens."
Hull was the team's top shooter at the NWC championship meet last year, posting an 18-hole score of 91. Sizemore carded a 97. Hull was named honorable mention all-league last season.
Hull also was the team's best scorer in sectional action with a 93 as Ada finished 12th out of 13 teams at Sycamore Springs in Arlington.
"Ethan has a strong iron game and his chipping has improved," said the coach. "Ethan, Alex and Brevin will be our top three players.
Sizemore will battle Morgan and Hull for top team honors. Campbell says the junior is strong in the fairways, and he is also a good putter.
"Brevin hits the ball straight and into a lot of fairways," said the coach. "If they keep improving, all three (returning lettermen) have realistic all-conference expectations," Campbell continued.
Others who could be in the top six mix for Ada are southpaw Woods and Wilkerson, as well as junior newcomer Jaob Morgan, the younger brother of Alex.
Sophomore Nate Hall, and freshmen Jaden Leal and Geddes Klingler will also vie for that sixth spot. Junior newcomer Donald Waters rounds out the roster.
The Bulldogs ended up ninth in the Northwest Conference championship tournament last fall, after coming in eighth in the regular season standings. Campbell is cautiously optimistic the Bulldogs will improve on both finishes this season.
Two-time defending champion Spencerville surprisingly dropped its team this fall after some key players transferred to Elida, leaving 15-time league champion Bluffton as one of the favorites.
"Spencerville not having a team leaves the door open, they were a heavy favorite," said Campbell. "Realistically, Ada can finish in the middle half of the league. I think we can sneak up on some teams."
In order to improve, the coach thinks the squad just needs to shoot more consistently. "Golf is a repetitive game," he noted.
"Our goal for the season is again to average 220 strokes or lower per match," said the coach. "The key will be finding that fourth scorer to go along with our top three.
"Between our four through six golfers in a given match, I am hoping we can find someone shooting in the 50s," he added.
Paulding finished second and Lincolnview third last fall in the NWC meet, and both look to be in contention again, especially with the champion Bearcats out. Bluffton took fourth at the 2018 NWCs.
Once again the Bluffton Golf Course will also serve as the Bulldog home course. The league meet is Sept. 19 at Paulding.
Ken Jochims joins the staff as assistant coach this season.
"I am excited to see what our veterans can do, as well as the new players we have," Campbell summed up.
Ada began its season 2-3 overall and 1-3 in NWC play after opening with matches August 7-8.
Ada golf glance
2018 record: 7-21, 2-16 NWC (8th), 9th of 9 in NWC meet
Head coach: Jason Campbell, 7th year
Lettermen back/lost: 3/3
Top returnees: Sr. Alex Morgan, Sr. Ethan Hull, Jr. Brevin Sizemore, So. Dexter Woods, So. Kamron Wilkerson
