LANCASTER — The leader led.

Led by junior Nathan Kerns who was the league’s medalist, Ironton posted a 318 team score and finished fourth in the 10-team field.

Kerns fired a 2-under par to take top individual honors for the 11th time this season.

“It feels pretty good. It’s an improvement from last year. It’s a little easier course, but the wind was tough. I played really well,” said Kerns.

“I felt pretty confident about (being medalist). I was ready to go when we hopped in the van this morning (Saturday).”

Zanesville won the tounament with a 306 score followed by Jackson at 311 and Athens with a 317.

After Ironton at 318 was Warren at 322, Logan and Marietta 326, Portsmouth 359, Gallipolis 364, and Chillicothe 422.

Ironically, Ironton coach Jeff Kerns — Nathan’s father — was the medalist at the same Valley View Golf Course while playing in the 1988 regionals.

Coach Kerns was pleased with his team’s score, a 50-stroke improvement over last year’s league tournament.

“That’s a good score on a very good golf course,” said coach Kerns. “We played well against Division I competition today.”

Besides Nathan Kerns, freshman Andy Holtzapfel had an impressive day with a 2-over par 73. Both Kerns and Holtzapfel earned All-SEOAL honors with their performances.

“Nathan’s proven to be a very good leader. He’s taught the kids a lot how to play competitive golf. He’s exceeded my expectations and he’s remained very humble,” said coach Kerns.

“My freshmen have continued to improve and to learn and buy into the system. I think Andy played an incredible round of golf today.”

Freshman Mason Weisgarber posted an 87 score for Ironton, Josh Cooke shot an 89, Johnathan Williams had a 98, and Michael Filkins a 99.

Ironton, 41-29 on the season, plays in the Division III sectional tournament at Shawnee State Golf Course.

Southeastern Ohio

Athletic League

2007 Golf Tournament

Zanesville 36: Wilson 70, Mills 77, Hull 79, M. Kaido 80, W. Kaido 83, Young 94.

Jackson 311: M. Dobbins 72, D. Gilliland 72, Malone 82, Newsome 85, Cantor 89, Webb 90.

Athens 317: Cedamanghan 75, Brooks 77, Crist 80, Goldsberry 85, Ferguson 86, Herpy 91.

Ironton 318: Nathan Kerns 69 (medalist), Andy Holtzapfel 73, Mason Weisgarber 87, Josh Cooke 89, John Williams 98, Michael Filkins 99.

Warren 322: Warden 77, Fivacoait 78, Huner 81, Andeson 86, Slone 87, Coffman 88.

Marietta 326: Tobay 76, Arnold 82, Bronski 83, Nicholson 85, Bailey 91.

Logan 326: Barrell 76, Harden 75, Kindinger 85, Kunkler 90, McIntosh 91, Fleet 91.

Portsmouth 359: Doll87, Gowdy 90, Harcha 91, Lacy 91, Clifford 97, Sanford 109.

Gallipolis 364: Dayal 83, Cornwell 94, Rhodes 99, Hamilton 88, Patrick 100, Elkins 142.

Chillicothe 422: M. Dennis 89, McNeely 106, I. Dennis 102, Sneddon 125.

(Teams count top 4 scores)