Despite two inches of rain soaking Jackson County, prior to the season-opening high school golf tournament, it couldn’t stop the Seymour Invitational from taking place Saturday.

The event started an hour late on the chilly morning, due to a frost delay, before 10 golf teams hit the links at Shadowood Golf Course.

In team scoring, Bedford North Lawrence claimed first with a 316. Brownstown Central claimed fourth totaling 328 and Seymour garnered seventh at 350.

Ian Bailey, of Bloomington North, top-medaled after shooting a 71.

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The Owls were led by freshmen Keaton Simpson and Tyler Bullard, who notched scores of 82 and 86.

Junior Brady Marshall placed third for the Owls scoring 87.

Ethan Ashley, a senior, had 95 strokes while sophomore Noah Beaty tallied 114.

“We’re really, really happy with how we played today,” Owls first-year coach Jim Hoffman said.  “We’re a very young team, and to finish just nine strokes behind fourth place against strong competition is great.”

Shadowood had slight flooding in the rough area of play, making it imperative to hit the fairways.

“We battled through the conditions,” Hoffman said. “It was are first time in a competition together. Going forwards, we need to get up and down the green. We don’t want to miss easy chips and putts on the green.”

The Braves were led by seniors Levi Sweeney and Lance Hackman, whom each shot 77’s at the Owls’ home course.

Junior Jackson Wagner came in next for the Braves after finishing with a combined score of 85.

Chanler Fleetwood and Seth Berry rounded-out the Braves’ scoring, as they tallied final scores of 89 and 91.

“I’m really pleased with our score,” Braves coach Brandon Allman said. “My goal (for the team), which I didn’t tell the guys, was to shoot around a 330 or so. We got there. I’m really pleased with our two seniors both coming out and shooting 77. I thought it showed good leadership, especially with how good their demeanor has also been in practice.”

There was plenty of stiff competition at the invitational, and Allman felt pleased with his team’s final result in the first competition-action of the season.

“It leaves us some positives leaving today,” Allman said. “Bedford is always a contender, Columbus North is the returning state-champions and there were a bunch of other strong teams that were here.”