Final rounds for Oelwein golfer and coach

Qualifying for the state golf meet had a little extra meaning for Oelwein's Katie O'Loughlin this year.

First, the Oelwein senior was looking to return to the state meet for the first time since her freshman season. Second, she wanted to cap Howard Klatt's 44-year tenure as the Huskies girls golf program's only head coach in style.

O'Loughlin earned a spot at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's Class 3A state golf tournament Tuesday and Wednesday at Ankeny's Otter Creek Golf Course, allowing Klatt one last chance to coach in the state's biggest meet. Competition begins at 9 a.m.

The last two seasons have ended with O'Loughlin missing the cut for state by two and one strokes, respectively. This was a good way to end her career as well as that of her coach.

"It feels really good to be back," O'Loughlin said. "It feels good to be back with Howard. I wouldn't want to be here with any other coach. He's really been there for me through all four years of high school."

Actually, Klatt has been in the Oelwein golf program for many players' four-year careers. He has been the Huskies' girls golf coach since its inception in 1966. He has had a career that is rare in terms of longevity anymore, and that will conclude when he officially submits his resignation after the state meet ends.

"His dedication goes beyond the master contract," Oelwein athletics director Larry Wolfe said. "You don't find many people like that that are going to put four-plus decades into a program. We're fortunate to have a guy like him."

Wolfe said the mold was broken after Klatt received his teaching license. Klatt's approach of emphasizing the positive makes him a special coach. He's gained the respect of his athletes, which Klatt tries to keep in touch with regularly.

"He's a wonderful man to work with and he's a far better person than he ever is as a coach," Wolfe said. "The kids really gravitate to him and they appreciate his efforts."

Klatt's efforts aren't just golf related. The former Industrial Arts instructor, who retired from teaching in 1996, has been the scoreboard operator for home football and basketball games for more than 30 years. Huskies athletics hold a special place in his heart, according to Klatt.

"They did from the minute I stepped into my job in 1961," said Klatt, whose seven children all played sports for the Huskies. "It's been part of our family for many, many years."

This day has been on the horizon for a few years. Klatt said after 44 years things don't come to an abrupt stop. he knew the time was fast approaching and realized this would be the year to call it quits.

"You think maybe one more year, but, no, it's been coming for awhile," Klatt said. "It's time to step down and have some other person take over."

Oelwein girls golf has played too big of a role in his life to leave it completely. He certainly wants to remain connected to the program, if the new coach allows him.

"Down the road, if the golf team people need any help, I would be glad to volunteer," Klatt said. "I'm not going to step away and say, 'OK, I quit.' You can't do that after you have been in it as long as I have."

During that time, Klatt has coached around 800 golfers and has claimed a pair of Northeast Iowa Conference titles. He was unsure of how many Huskies have qualified for state, but has a two-timer in O'Loughlin who he thinks can contend for a state title based on her postseason play.

"According to what she's been doing, she would have to be one of the favorites in 3A," Klatt said. "If not, she'd certainly be in the top 10 as far as the outcome is concerned."

O'Loughlin hasn't been to the state tournament since she placed 18th as a freshman. She was determined on making it back to state in her final campaign.

"I really wanted it, being it was my last year," O'Loughlin said. "I just got mentally focused. I knew how bad I wanted it. I knew I could do it."

O'Loughlin shook off a slow start this season, and started building confidence at the NEIC conference, where she placed third. It kept climbing as she earned district and regional medalist honors, shooting the lowest regional score in 3A with a 76 at Springbrook Country Club in DeWitt. A similar performance will be needed the next two days.

"If I played like I did at district and regionals I think I have a really good chance," O'Loughlin said. "If I can stay focused and do what I can do I have a really good shot."