The Golfin’ Dolphins are making history.
Marathon’s boys golf team recorded its highest district finish in school history Oct. 27, taking second place at the FHSAA Class 1A District 16 championships at the Biltmore Golf Course and Country Club in Coral Gables. The runner-up finish secured the program’s first-ever team berth in regional competition, adding another milestone to what has already been a record-setting season for the Fins.
Leading the charge was sophomore Emmett Merryman, whose 5-over-par 76 earned him fourth place individually, the highest district finish by a Marathon golfer in school history. Merryman made history last season as well when he became the first Dolphin to qualify individually for regionals.
Jackson Millard and Cullen Coleman-Sayer tied for 11th place, each carding an 81. Senior Roco Piscetello finished 18th with an 85, while Jack Dunn rounded out the Dolphins’ lineup in 29th place with a 95.
Marathon head coach Mary Coleman-Sayer credited her team’s preparation and determination throughout a season marked by challenging conditions.
“We have had a fantastic season,” she said. “Our boys have worked hard and played through difficult weather situations all season long, which I feel prepared them for the adversity they faced at the district tournament.”
Weather and king tide conditions repeatedly interrupted the team’s practice schedule, but Coleman-Sayer believes those disruptions ultimately helped the Dolphins make better use of their time on the course.
“Senior Roco Piscetello and sophomore Emmett Merryman were consistent all year long in their low scoring averages,” she said. “Senior Cullen Coleman-Sayer and junior Jackson Millard were much improved over last year. Both players worked hard in the off-season, and it has paid off in our team effort.”
Coleman-Sayer also praised Dunn, a senior who joined the team as a sophomore and is now playing some of his best golf.
“I am so proud of this group for their efforts and hard work,” she said. “They have peaked at the right time, and it has been fun and rewarding to watch their success unfold on the course.”
Coral Shores also competed in the 1A District 16 championship, with Scout Oliver earning eighth place after shooting a 79. Oliver’s performance secured him an individual at-large berth to regionals. Teammate Sawyer Hendrix finished 32nd with a 98.
Oliver joined the entire Marathon team on Nov. 2 at Miami Shores Country Club for the regional championship, where a chance to compete at the state tournament was on the line (results not available at press time). The FHSAA state championships are scheduled for Mission Resort’s El Campeón course in Howey-in-the-Hills.
The Marathon girls also competed in the 1A District 16 championship Oct. 27 at Biltmore. Makenna Haines led the Lady Fins with a 123, placing 25th, while teammate Elleanna Mowry shot a 128 to finish 27th. Neither advanced to regional competition. Coral Shores did not field any competitors in the girls tournament.
In Class 2A, Key West’s boys finished seventh at the District 16 championship Oct. 26 at Redland Golf Course and Country Club. Mason Titensor led the Conchs with a 10-over-par 82, good for 13th place. Jakub Krytinar finished 21st with an 85, while Dominick Novotny and Geo Twyman tied for 32nd place with matching rounds of 93. None of the Conchs advanced to regionals.
The Lady Conchs competed the following day at Miami Springs Country Club, finishing eighth in their Class 2A district championship. Mary Alice Davila led Key West with a 107, finishing 30th overall. Lexi Finigan was two places behind at 32nd with a 109, while Charlize Lopez shot a 114 for 35th place. Stella Tutlewski rounded out the Conchs’ scores with a 120, placing 38th.
For Marathon’s boys, the season continues with a historic opportunity. After becoming the first team in school history to reach regionals, the Golfin’ Dolphins now have their sights set on another first: a trip to the state championships.
