A Perfect 10

It turned out the biggest competition for the Jesuit High School golf team at the District Tournament on Monday (Oct. 12) at Temple Terrace Golf Club came from within.

Classmates Sean Lanoue ’16 and Matt Ruel ’16 dueled to the finish for individual honors, with Ruel prevailing by just one stroke, 72-73.

Paced by Ruel and Lanoue, Jesuit’s 303 team score easily outdistanced runner-up Robinson as the Tigers claimed their 10^th consecutive District title, incuding two under coach Nico Hohman '07, in 2013 and 2015. The individual District title is Ruel’s third straight.

“I knew after our practice round our whole team was going to shoot well,” Ruel said. “Sean Lanoue obviously played really well. When I shot with a 72, I just didn’t know if I’d be ahead.”

Ruel, who has committed to play college golf at Mississippi, said the conditions were a little different than he expected after the team’s practice round on Saturday and forced some in-round adjustments. “It’s a tight course,” Ruel said. “If you are hitting it offline, it can get you.”

He steadied his game and carded birdies on Nos. 9, 10, and 11, and made it back to even on the day with a birdie on 18.

Lanoue fired his career-best high school tournament round, and made the turn at 1-under to put some pressure on Ruel.

“I’m pretty happy to cap (my) senior year District Tournament like that,” Lanoue said. “I was hoping to tie Matt, or beat Matt, but I’ll still be pretty happy to finish like I did."

Ruel and Lanoue said the biggest takeaway from this season has been enjoying the moments with their team in what can be an individually-focused sport.

“You get a chance to show the younger players some ways to approach shots, and I like having the chance to help guide them along,” Ruel said. “Sean and I both want to be a role model to the younger guys – that’s a big part of this for us.”

Jesuit’s lineup Monday included Max White ’19 (81), Connor Murphy ’19 (78), and Matt Zloto ’17 (80).

“Before they know it they are going to be seniors,” Lanoue said. “They need to take advantage of every single moment they have out there.”

Next up for Jesuit is the Region Tournament next Monday (Oct. 19), at Bardmoor Golf & Country Club in Seminole.

See a photo slideshow below from Monday's District Tournament: