CIRCLEVILLE - Seth Christian will carry the team's honor.

Although the Ironton Fighting Tigers golf team didn't qualify for the Div. II state golf tournament, Christian did in dramatic fashion.

Christian, a sophomore, won a playoff with a birdie on the first hole to qualify as an individual for the state tournament to be Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-16, on the Scarlet Course at Ohio State University.

After shooting a 78 in regulation of the district tournament Monday, Christian said the playoff caused him some anxious moments.

"The kid I played with in the playoff was in my group during the tournament, he was in a playoff last year and lost on the first hole," Christian said. "I was thinking, 'He's been in a playoff before and knows what to expect.' I was pretty nervous, but I hit my third shot and I wasn't so nervous."

Portsmouth was the upset winner of the district tournament with a 327 score. Piketon was second just two strokes back to earn the other team berth in the state tournament.

Ironton faltered with a 351 and finished seventh as a team.

"I know we didn't play well, but I'm really proud of this team," Ironton coach Jeff Kerns said. "They played well all year and showed a lot of improvement. We just had a bad day.

"You hate to look ahead, but we have a lot of potential with a young team. Right now we're just looking for Seth to play well."

Christian said it was a great thrill to make the state tournament, but it was bittersweet because his teammates will not be able to play.

"It's disappointing the other guys aren't there. It's different, but there's not much pressure because it's all you," Christian said.

"I told everybody after I won the playoff that I want everybody to come with me. One, I want them to see the atmosphere. I know the atmosphere. I was there to see my brothers. It's a dream come true. Second, I think this will help motivate everyone on the team."

Christian's older brothers Zach and Todd both played in the state tournament with Ironton teams. He is the first to qualify as an individual.

"Seth has earned a spot. He played well and he's worked hard all year," Kerns said.

The rest of Ironton's scoring had Nick Boggess with an 87, Dennis Gagai 88, Jay Rudmann 98 and Gavin Harbolt 105.

Southeast Ohio Div. II

District Golf Tournament

Team Scores

Portsmouth327

Piketon329

Circleville332

Belpre337

Hillsboro340

West Union348

Ironton351

Logan Elm358