The Catholic Central High School Golf Team won its seventh MHSAA State Championship over the weekend of June 7, 2024, held at Bedford Valley in Battle Creek. The team was led by Senior Captain Julian Menser, who shot 140 (70-70) over Friday and Saturday and won medalist. 

This is the program's second State Championship title in the last three years and fifth title in the last 10 years. 

“The conditions were the most difficult I have seen on a golf course in my life on Friday. Winds were steady at 35-45 mph, and I am sure gusts were even higher. I am not sure how anyone played under par in those conditions, but two players did, including Julian. He shot an incredible two under 70,” stated Coach Mike Fras.   

“Julian's 70 was truly amazing. As far as we know, Julian is the first ever player to be the medalist (individual winner) of the Catholic League, Oakland County, and State Championship. That is an unbelievably difficult accomplishment. He is certainly one of the best golfers ever to play for Catholic Central. Michigan State has a great one coming next year,” Coach Fras stated.   

Catholic Central left the course on Friday with a two-shot lead over Rochester Adams and a three-shot lead over Ann Arbor Pioneer. “Kudos to them for battling and hanging in there as well. We knew Saturday was going to be close,” Coach Fras explained. 

Saturday was a gorgeous day for golf and the team was ready. Junior Dillon Che was put in the lineup on Saturday, and he came through with a round of 73. There was a constant battle between the three schools throughout the day, but in the end, Julian came through with another round of 70 and Catholic Central took the title home, winning by nine strokes in the end. 

“Ann Arbor Pioneer finished second and they all played extremely well and forced us to play our best. They have a fine team,” stated Coach Fras. 

Of this year’s Varsity Golf Team, Coach Fras said, “I could not be more proud of this team. We had one goal for this season. We had unfinished business from the season before when we were unable to bring the championship home. We changed things up in the off season by lifting weights and conditioning. We held team unity events in order to get everyone closer. We won this title as a family. We had around 55 spectators on the course following our players and cheering them on throughout the tournament. That is unheard of in golf!! However, this is CC and our family came together.”

“The support from parents and our other players was truly remarkable and it helped provide extra motivation. I want to thank everyone in the CC community for their support. We know our lacrosse team was playing (and winning) their state championship game at the same time. Congratulations to them! Battle Creek is a much further drive and supporting our team was a commitment that helped put us over the top as well,” Coach Fras continued.   

It was truly a special victory for Catholic Central as it was the final event for our Head Coach, Mike Anderson. Coach Anderson is set to retire after leading the team for the past 14 years. He has also been inducted into the Catholic League Hall of Fame.

“Coach Anderson is certainly most deserving of that honor. It has been a pleasure working with him and I wish him nothing but the best in his future. He will tell you the same things about what an incredible group of young men we have on this team,” Coach Fras stated. 

“The guys are already preparing for next season as they were on the course the next day practicing. We started something big this weekend in our golf program. Our expectations will remain high and we will continue to work in order to defend the championship next year,” concluded Coach Fras.