La Salle golf coach Jon Feldkamp can still remember the school pep rally when the golf team qualified to district in 1998. Feldkamp was a sophomore at the time and he felt proud to be a part of a team that went to the district tournament.

Fast forward almost a decade and Feldkamp has a similar feeling – but the difference is quite significant. The Lancers qualified for state as a team for the first time by winning the district tournament at Weatherwax.

“It’s amazing,” Feldkamp said. “It’s really a tribute to the kids and how far they have come (as a program).”

Along with annual area favorites St. Xavier and Moeller, La Salle will travel up to Columbus for the Division I state tournament this weekend at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course Friday and Saturday.

Seniors Chris Burger, Buddy Braun, P.J. Coffaro, Aaron Meyer and junior Pete Leming will be included in the state lineup.

Feldkamp said he’s seen a maturity about this group that gives La Salle confidence going to state. It’s also been a point of pride for the school as another pep rally will be held this week before the Lancers travel north.

Feldkamp said he had 24 messages on his phone the day after the district tournament. He said the school hallways have been very supportive of the team along with the athletic department.

Feldkamp gave all the credit to his players and the work ethic they’ve shown.

“They deserve and they have earned it,” Feldkamp said.