WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — Anthony Wayne's state champion boys golf team is ready for one final go-round.
The Generals cemented their legacy last year when they brought home the school's first-ever OHSAA State Championship in golf. The team shot an astounding 290 on the final day of the 2023 Division I tournament to claim history.
That feat led to another prized possession: a national stage.
With the coveted title, the Generals earned consideration for the 2024 PGA High School Golf National Invitational held in Frisco, Texas, from July 1-3. The event is comprised of selected state champions from across the country and Anthony Wayne made the cut.
"It's pretty surreal just thinking about it because it's our last tournament playing together," said graduate Myles Murphy. "It's a big deal for us because it's our last rodeo together."
The University of Findlay signee is one of three seniors among the group of five who will travel south for this tournament. Anthony Wayne will be the only team representing the state of Ohio, — 39 total states will be at the invitational — a realization that adds motivation for classmate Ian Briars.
"Our weather here, we don't get as much time to practice as they do," the Ohio University signee said. "So, we have a chip on our shoulder to prove that we belong and compete in this tournament."
For three days at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, located north of Dallas, the five golfers will put the Buckeye State on their back. Yet, the group isn't feeling much weight and are instead aiming to seize an opportunity.
"It hasn't really set in. It's surreal to represent an entire state as a whole," said rising junior Michael Distefano. "It'll be fun to see how we stack up against other states."
Although the thrill of capturing first place in Columbus last year cannot be replaced, the team is viewing the Texas tournament as an added bonus to make one last memory as a group.
"Enjoy it, enjoy the experience," said head coach Pat Phillips. "Not a lot of kids get to play in a national tournament, so go have fun and enjoy it. Make some birdies."
Anthony Wayne will be one of the last teams to tee off Monday on the WestRidge Golf Course and when they do, the approach will be the focus.
"Because it's such a big tournament, just handle the pressure," said rising senior Ted Robertson. "Pressure is a privilege and we just got to be able to play well underneath it."
There is a General who has already traveled to the Lone Star state this week, though: Logan Sutto. He is competing in the AJGA Under Armour/Jordan Spieth Championship and even got to spend one-on-one time with the pro.
Sutto will continue his career at Butler University in the fall and finished state runner-up as an individual to help lead Anthony Wayne to its team championship.
Before Sutto's teammates join him in Texas, they shared messages from Ohio:
Briars: "Logan, we're ready for Texas and we'll be down there in a little bit."
Robertson: "Logan, just try and make some birdies in your tournament tomorrow and keep the putts going in baby."
Distefano: "Try not to get too hot, stay cool."
Murphy: "My message would be get ready. We're coming to win and he knows that, too."
Anthony Wayne is looking to become the first Ohio team to win the National High School Golf Invitational.
"Just represent Ohio the best we can and show that there's some great golf and talent here in Ohio," Phillips said. "It's going to be pretty special to see them together one last time before they go their separate ways."