PINE GROVE - Jeff Kerns knew he had something good. He just didn't know how good.

With a 78-5 record and runner-up in the Division II sectional tournament, the answer is pretty darn good.

Kerns, the fourth-year Ironton Fighting Tigers golf coach, had virtually the entire team returning from last season's group that just missed qualifying for the state tournament. Needless to say, expectations were high this year.

"We knew we had a lot of talent, but we didn't know how it would fit together as a team," Kerns said. "You never know what you have until you get involved.

"But the guys worked hard. There is a sense of team. These guys are friends. They're competitors and they push one another. And they all love to play."

The love of the game and hard work produced an impressive 301 team score at the sectional tournament and put Ironton among the four teams advancing to Monday's district tournament at Cook's Creek.

As a four-year starter, senior Dennis Gagai has seen everyone grow into one of Ironton's better teams.

"This year we're mentally focused more than in the past. Everyone is more mature. Everyone worked real hard to get to this point," Gagai said. "They all worked through the summer to give themselves a chance to perform the way we have."

Junior Seth Christian qualified for the state tournament last season as an individual, but he said it wasn't the same as qualifying with his teammates. He said he remembered his brothers Todd and Zach who played in the state tournament. Todd was on three state championship teams and Zach was on one title team.

"I witnessed (my brothers') team experience and the way they bonded together. It was great going to the state as an individual, but it would be one thousand times better to go up together," Christian said.

Playing in the state tournament as an individual, Christian had to play against everyone in hopes of winning medalist honors. He said playing with a team presents a better opportunity.

"For me, there's less pressure knowing if I have a bad day there are four more people to fall back on," Christian said.

Senior Gavin Harbolt did start playing golf until last year. His scores have remained around 40 all season and he was even team medalist with a 37 earlier this season at Gallipolis.

Harbolt credited his coaches and teammates for adjusting so quickly to the game.

"The reason I've been able to play this well is because of the great coaching and my great teammates," Harbolt said. "The players were always willing to help me whenever I asked. Everyone has worked hard and worked together."

Senior Jay Rudmann is another player who just started playing the game a few years ago. Although he's been in the low 40s most of the season, he did have back-to-back rounds of 37 and 38 in a couple of earlier matches.

Rudmann usually plays as the fifth man, but his value to the team has been immeasurable.

"They only count the top four scores, but even if my score doesn't count it still counts if there's a tie and they go on the fifth player's score," Rudmann said. "I started out the year bad, but I kept it together. I just think on each shot. That's how we all play and that's how we have such a deep team."

While Rudmann adds the much-needed depth, freshman Nathan Kerns has had a strong, consistent player that has helped lower the team score.

As the son of the head coach, Nathan has traveled and practiced with the team the past three years. He said his past experience helped in his transition from an individual player to the team concept.

"I've been close to these guys for three years, so I've got to know them well," Nathan said. "I've had good days and bad days, but I know the other four or five guys are there to back me up. I've just tried to play the way the coaches want me to play."

Coach Kerns said the key for the team has been their dedication and love for the game.

"Dennis is a great basketball player. When he doesn't have a basketball in his hand, he has a golf club," coach Kerns said.

"Seth has a golf club in his hand the whole year. I think he has a golf club in his hand when he takes a shower. And golf is Nathan's only passion. Jay and Gavin were literally out playing when there was snow covering the ground."

As an assistant coach for Ironton the past 13 years, Tony Brown has seen most of the state tournament qualifying teams including the state title teams from 1995-97.

"This team has the potential to be the best team we've had since the state championship teams. The only problem is the other teams we're playing are pretty good, too," Brown said.

Coach Kerns said Brown, who is the first NAIA All-American at Shawnee State University, has been a tremendous help.

"Tony is a motivator. He helped me take the job four years ago. We share the same passion for the game," coach Kerns said. "We teach golf, but we also teach them about life and being a good student."

"Golf is a lot like life," Brown said. "You have your good days and your bad days, so you have to learn to bounce back. They learn to be good men and good citizens."

And they learn to play a good game of golf.