J-Hawk golfers on the rise

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Jefferson's boys golf team took a positive step forward.

The J-Hawks are on the rise after a slow start, placing third at the CRANDIC meet Tuesday after winning a quadrangular at the end of August. Jefferson displayed more balance, but there is potential to be even better.

"We're starting to find a couple of guys who can score," Jefferson Coach Steve Koepke said. "We're still a little inconsistent."

The J-Hawks shot 329 Tuesday at Hunters Ridge, finishing eight strokes behind third-ranked and 2010 Class 4A state runner-up Cedar Rapids Kennedy, and had a lead on No. 10 Cedar Rapids Xavier until the Saints' final score was recorded, knocking Jefferson to third by six shots.

Jefferson out-shot five Metro and Iowa City schools, and all but one of those five have beaten the J-Hawks in earlier meets this season. Koepke discussed the potential of contending for a CRANDIC title - a feat accomplished by the Jefferson girls team in the spring - with his players at a pre-meet breakfast. They performed better than expected, but are a team capable of having four solid scorers each event.

"We're right there," Koepke said. "We're never really going to go real low, but I don't see us going really high either."

Eric Lehmkuhl led Jefferson on Tuesday, shooting 79 and tying for third on a course that only allowed four scores under 80. He managed the difficult pin places that gave others fits.

"I'm proud of him," Koepke said after the meet. "The course was playing harder than it had in the past and for him to find a good number still is a testimony to his ability."

Sophomore Zach Denny, who has a strong passion for golf according to Koepke, and Lehmkuhl are the top golfers for the J-Hawks. Ben Otis and Mitch Willems made contributions, posting an 81 and 82, respectively. Otis tied for fifth individually.

Koepke said Willems addition to the varsity lineup has provided a bright spot for the team.

"At the beginning of the year, you don't know what you've got and he's done quite well," Koepke said. "Always bringing in a number we can use. He's had one bad round this year. He played another decent round (Tuesday)."