By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
He was the lone senior on a front five full of youngsters, so that made Kevin Stone’s leadership abilities stand out even more.
Stone led the Carmel boys golf team to sectional and regional championships and a state runner-up finish Wednesday at Prairie View. But right before the Greyhounds got the trophy, Stone received a special trophy: The Fred A. Keesling Mental Attitude Award.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the IHSAA and the whole state,” said Stone.
This was just one of several honors that Stone earned during the day, in addition to being part of Carmel’s highest-placing team since 2007. Stone finished tied for seventh place with a two-day round of 145, and was also named to the All-State team. Stone played at state as an individual last year as a junior, and also received All-State honors.
“I think it was a great season,” said Stone of the Carmel team’s accomplishments. “We were really successful, especially towards the end. I know all these guys fought our butts off this whole tournament.”
“It speaks volumes about the leadership he’s brought to this team,” said Carmel coach Chard Reid. The coach wrote on Stone’s application that “Kevin truly is the glue that holds this team together.” The Greyhounds had a junior, two sophomores and a freshman playing with Stone at Prairie View.
“I’m proud of all of them, how they fought and how they played the whole 36-hole tournament,” said Stone.
“We’re a young team, and Kevin made it his mission to take those guys under his wing and to really help them develop as young men and as golfers,” said Reid. He’s very deserving of that award.
Next up for Stone – who holds a 3.98 grade-point average while taking a difficult schedule at Carmel High School – is a journey to Ohio State, where he will play golf and study business. Stone said that OSU’s coaches, including head coach Brad Smith and his assistant, have several Indiana ties.
“That connection really jump-started the whole decision,” said Stone, whose decision was confirmed once he visited the campus.
Stone is the second Carmel boys golfer to win the Mental Attitude Award, following Charles Thoele, the 1976 winner of the award.
Carmel senior Kevin Stone won the Fred A. Keesling Mental Attitude Award for boys golf at the conclusion of the state meet on Wednesday. Stone is pictured with his parents Sharon and Brian. (Richie Hall)