Linn-Mar returns to state golf meet

CEDAR FALLS - Linn-Mar Coach Steve Kahler experienced deja vu Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Kahler was on pins and needles as scores trickled in with a state berth on the line. Both ended in favor of the Lions.

The Linn-Mar boys golf team matched the girls' feat, claiming a state meet berth with a third-place team finish at the Class 4A district meet Tuesday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course. The Lions scored 310, six shots back of champion Cedar Rapids Kennedy and five back of runner-up Cedar Falls.

Kahler recalled it was a similar to what occurred in the spring, and Linn-Mar became the only Metro school to qualify both boys and girls golf teams in 2011.

“It came right down to the wire,” Kahler said. “It was the same thing. I didn't want anybody congratulating until you see all the scores.”

 All the Lions scores were 80 or better on a challenging course affected by a brisk wind and difficult pin placements. Kahler considered that a strong performance.

“The guys really played well,” Kahler said. “Today we had some guys have a bad start and played really good down the stretch and it ended up paying off for us.”

Tyler McCann posted a 2-over-par 74 to earn runner-up honors, finishing one back of Kennedy medalist Cody Bell.

Trevor Berry and Clay Vieth recorded a 77 and 79, respectively, and Matt Drake added an 80. Berry and Vieth were vital to the top-three showing, rallying after a rough start. Berry was 4-over after the first hole, but rebounded, while Vieth was consistent the last half of the round.

“He was one that hung in there and didn't give up,” Kahler said of Berry. “Clay Vieth is another who played even par the last 10 holes.

“We had guys doing that and that's how you make a state tournament.”

Linn-Mar returns to state for the second time in three seasons, placing sixth in 2009. It was something the seniors were determined to accomplish after missing the cut last season. Kahler said his seniors solidified the lineup about two-thirds of the way through the season and stepped in to earn their spots. He said the Lions played with pride Tuesday.

"We has some people put in time that they haven't done previously in the summer to get ready," Kahler said. "It paid dividends for them."

Iowa city High will also return to the state meet. The Little Hawks placed second at a district played at Glynn's Creek Golf Course in Eldridge. City High shot 307, finishing two shots back of Muscatine.

The two-round 4A state meet is Friday and Saturday at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City.

District 4A Tourn Results - 2011