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2020 Carrollton boys golf team lettermen. From left: Cayden Rininger, Colton Moore, John Birong and Jaxon Rinkes.

Defending EBC champs look to repeat in 2020

Five members of the Carrollton boys golf team that posted a 14-2 overall record and won the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) with a 10-2 record were lost to graduation, but the team hasn’t lost a step as younger players have stepped up and filled the gap.

The Warriors lost Jimmy Birong, Josh Shepherd, Griffen Bagozzi and Gabe Warner to graduation.

The Warriors return five lettermen, four of whom were Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) picks last season.

Sophomore Jaxon Rinkes was a first team EBC selection, sophomores Colton Moore and John Birong, EBC honorable mention and senior Jacob Weiland, second team EBC. Sophomore Cayden Rininger rounds out the list of returning lettermen.

Coach Chris Barto said several newcomers bring talent to the team.

“Freshman Isaac Warner will see varsity action based on his early play,” said Barto. Sophomore Micah Barkan could possibly play as the sixth man and freshman Andrew Shockey will play as the sixth man as his play improved throughout the season. Rounding out the list is freshman Nick Sutton, who has also shown promise to play in the sixth-man spot.”

Looking at the EBC, Barto noted the Warriors surprised themselves with the EBC championship last season.

“We surprised ourselves and other teams in the EBC,” he said. “This year we are probably the favorite to win the championship. We are young, but experienced from the 2019 season. That should serve us well. Several of the sophomores stated they don’t feel nervous on the tee this season.”

As for other teams to look for, Barto said Marlington, Alliance and West Branch usually field good teams.

“Any team could win on any given night,” he noted. “It’s golf!”

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