Jon Schram, the hero of the regional championship for Warsaw, will play in his fourth State Finals starting Tuesday (File photo by Mike Deak)

WARSAW – It was only fitting that Jon Schram was the hero of the regional championship last Thursday for the Warsaw boys golf team.

It’s only appropriate too that the Tiger star will finish his career on the state’s biggest stage at the State Finals.

Schram will lead the No. 10 Tigers into the year’s final event Tuesday and Wednesday. The 15-team finals, in which all squads will play two rounds this year, will be contested at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin.

It will be hard for Schram to top what he did at the Stonehenge Golf Club Thursday. The Ball State bound ace dropped a 10-foot putt for an eagle on the final hole to give himself individual medalist honors with a 69 and pull his team into a tie with Triton. Warsaw claimed the regional crown for the third time in the last four years on their fifth-man tiebreaker score.

“I selfishly told Jon what he needed to do on that final hole,” recounted Warsaw coach Ben Barkey at practice Friday. “He knew on the tee what he needed to do to be medalist and for us to win the regional.

“There’s a small handful of kids who I would have done that to. Jon wants to be in that position. I selfishly wanted him to make it too because it made such a great story for him and for us.

“What he did ranks right up there with us winning State (in 2005) and Tyler Ostrom shooting 63 at State to tie the individual record for a round in 2011. All of those moments are No. 1 to me for different reasons. The state title was two years in the making. Tyler’s longevity to play that way for an entire round. Jon was clutch when we needed this to win. That was mind-blowing.”

When asked what Schram has meant to his incredibly successful program, Barkey had plenty to say.

“A lot of victories and a lot of success,” responded the Tiger coach with a smile.

“Jon is the most committed kid who has come through the program. All of our kids make a huge commitment. But, the level of detail that Jon has invested into it sets him apart. He looks at every way to make himself a better golfer.”

Schram’s eagle on the par five No. 18 was the lone one of the season for Warsaw.

“It was a great way to go out,” said Schram of his final putt in his last round as a high school player on his home course. “My hands were trembling so hard before the putt, but I knew I was going to make it.

“I’ve been bugging Barkey to tell me in those situations and I was surprised, but happy he did on that final hole. He (Barkey) and Denny (Hepler) have really inspired me. It’s been a great four years and that was a really special moment.”

The Tigers shot 305 to win their eighth regional title, which is tied for third most all-time in state history.

Senior Evan Cultice was also a hero of the regional championship. Warsaw’s No. 5 man shot a 75, which included a record-tying total of just 23 putts in his outstanding round.

“That was not a fluke,” said Barkey of Cultice’s performance. “I’ve seen Evan do that frequently in practice.  I’m glad it happened in a competitive round. He’s got a lot of confidence right now.”

Senior Tim Ahlersmeyer shot an 80, sophomore Jonny Hollar 81 and junior Will Petro 82 in the regional.

Warsaw will make its fifth straight appearance at State, which is tied for the longest active streak with Floyd Central. The Tigers will be one of 13 ranked teams in the field and one of eight returning from 2012. Schram and Ahlersmeyer will be playing at State for the fourth straight year, while Hollar played the first round there a year ago as a freshman.

The Tigers tied for sixth at State in 2012, shooting 307 in round one and 318 in round two. Schram tied for eighth place among individuals with rounds of 73 and 74 to finish at three over par for the tournament.

“Jon and I were talking and making it to State is an expectation, a standard for us,” said Ahlersmeyer. “It’s great and special to make it all four years. I just want to do whatever it takes to help our team win. This is my last chance. This is about do or die now.”

Warsaw has seemed to find its groove the last couple of weeks. The Tigers had some frustrating moments during the regular season, including sharing the NLC title with NorthWood after losing to the Panthers head-to-head in a conference match.

“It was frustrating at times, but most of us are peaking at the same time now,” said Schram. “It’s fun to be down there as a team. I just want to control what I can control and try to make as many birdies as I can.”

Barkey expects his veteran team to be just fine.

“All they need to do is to play within themselves,” said Barkey. “I just want them to play a little better and that’s all you can ask for. I’d like to see us 16-18 over on Tuesday.

“It’s just about hitting shots. You can’t think that you have to go low.”

Warsaw will be paired with players from No. 1 and favorite Columbus North, Avon and Hamilton Southeastern for its first round Tuesday.

The Tigers begin play Tuesday at 9:21 a.m. as Cultice tees off. Petro is scheduled for 9:30, Ahlersmeyer at 9:39, Hollar at 9:48 and Schram at 9:57.