by Ashlynn Shafer
AWHS Communications Intern
Individual photos courtesy: Peyton Tully, Student Director of Football Operations and Media
October 26, 2023
The Anthony Wayne boys golf team won the school’s first state golf title at the OHSAA contest held on the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University on October 20-21, 2023. This was the Generals' third consecutive trip to the state finals. The team was led by senior Logan Sutto who finished in second place as an individual, followed by senior Ian Briars and sophomore Michael Distefano who finished in the Top 20 and junior Ted Robertson who tied for 28th place, and supported by senior Myles Murphy who finished in 38th place.
The AW community is invited to celebrate the Generals’ accomplishments prior to the varsity football game on Friday, Oct. 27. The team will be escorted to the entrance of Schaller Stadium at 6:00 p.m. where they will be recognized by the AW Fullbackers. At 6:50 p.m. the team will be recognized on the field and lead the football team through the tunnel prior to the coin toss.
I caught up with the team and Coach Phillips after their outstanding performance to ask them about their journey to the state title and what they will remember most about their 2023 season.
Coach Pat Phillips
NLL Coach of the Year
Coach Philips has definitely proved his worth to Anthony Wayne and the boy’s golf team this season after leading the team to a state championship and winning the NLL Coach of the Year. His ongoing commitment to the golf program was reflected not only at the state competition but every practice where he pushed his players to success. “The tough schedule that we played this season made the team more prepared and as a result, the team played relaxed and with confidence at State,” he said.
Ian Briars
Senior, NLL First Team
Ian owes his trip to the state tournament to the communal belief and support within the team. He shared a goal with everyone to win, and that’s exactly what they did. His memories with his team include staying at the hotel together and attending tournaments. His fantastic putt on hole 13 was electric, and his team stayed by his side and cheered for all of his success.
Michael Distefano
Sophomore, NLL First Team
Being the youngest student on the AW state champion team, Michael Distefano had a lot of pressure on him to perform, but he breezed by with ease. In fact, the pressure coming down the stretch of each tournament is his favorite part of golf. At a young age, he was introduced to golf by his dad, and now he’s a crucial part of the Anthony Wayne State Champion Golf Team.
Myles Murphy
Senior, NLL First Team
Growing up near a country club first introduced this senior to golf, and Myles has gone on to impress everyone with his determination and grit. His competition at the state level pushed him to work harder, and the chemistry of his team supported him the whole way there. After winning the Hoban invite, a core memory was made, and he was able to relax after finding out they won.
Ted Robertson
Junior, NLL First Team
The Anthony Wayne Golf Program definitely has a bright future with Ted Robertson on the team. Golf has always been a part of his family, and his birdie on hole #16 demonstrated his acquired talent for the sport. Being a part of this team and forming close bonds with his teammates has always been a driving force for him.
Logan Sutto
Senior, NLL First Team, State Runner Up
Logan believes that the team’s determination to win helped them greatly at state, and the difficulty and reward of golf are what drives him to succeed. After being introduced to golf by his father, he has gone on to make countless memories with his teammates throughout their season, and the sheer happiness they collectively share as a result of their achievements is one of his favorites.
 Ian Briars |  Michael Distefano |  Myles Murphy |  Ted Robertson |  Logan Sutto |