Cedar Rapids Xavier golf makes each stroke count in early-season success

Every shot counts and each stroke matters.

Sure, it is cliché but it has been extremely accurate to Cedar Rapids Xavier’s early-season golf meets.

“It’s been the story of our short season, so far,” Saints first-year head coach Brandon Schiltz said.

Xavier finished one stroke behind Dubuque Wahlert in the season-opening Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet last week. The Saints followed with a one-stroke victory over runner-up Waukee Northwest at the Linn-Mar Invitational on Monday at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion.

“We had a great conversation about sticking with your game after losing by a stroke in our first meet at Thunder Hills,” Schiltz said. “Even in difficult conditions or something is not working, we just have to place trust in our game and teammates that we can power through.”

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Xavier posted a team total of 303 on Monday. Senior Garrett Nurre fired a 2-under 70 and won a playoff hole over Waukee Northwest’s Remick Elfers for medalist honors.

Nurre was followed by Quincey Johnson’s 73. Sophomore Pranay Monga and freshman Logan Otting each carded an 80 to round out the Saints’ scorers. Nurre breaking par, Monga shooting under par over his last five holes and Otting closing with two consecutive birdies contributed to the team title.

“Garrett, specifically, did a great job, representing that for us,” Schiltz said. “He had a great round going. He was 4-under at one point. He had a stretch where he struggled a little bit but was able to persevere and pull it together, as well as the rest of the team.

“I had a couple other boys come through. Those were the critical moments we originally needed.”

The Saints had five shoot 77 or better in the first tournament. All six shot 84 or better at Hunters. Nurre leads the Saints with a 73.5 18-hole average, a half-stroke better than Johnson. Otting comes in at 76 and sophomore Jacob Schmit averages 79.5. Monga and Grant Allen sit at 80 and 80.5, respectively.

Depth and balance are luxuries other programs don’t possess. It also extends beyond the starters.

“We have seven to eight guys who can shoot in the 70s any day of the week,” Schiltz said. “The most difficult part of my job is picking those top six. It makes me feel very comfortable, knowing I’ve got a big group of guys able to take care of me and Xavier (golf).

“It’s been great. We’ve got a deep team that extends into J.V. My two captains — Garrett and Quincey — have taken on a great leadership role for us.”

Schiltz replaced Hall of Fame Coach Tim O’Brien, who retired after last season. Schiltz previously coached at Waterloo Columbus in 2020 and 2021. He and his wife, Hannah, who was a golfer and 2013 Xavier graduate, moved to Cedar Rapids, starting a family and new jobs.

They are settled now and the opportunity came at a perfect time.

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“The timing was right,” Schiltz said. “I love coaching golf.

“It’s been a great transition.”

Schiltz knew what he was going to inherit when he took over the Saints program, coming off their best state finish in 2022. He is excited for a chance to help it reach new heights.

“I followed Xavier pretty closely the last few years,” Schiltz said. “I know they’ve had a great program. Tim O’Brien did a great job building this program. I’m ecstatic I get to continue that tradition.

“We are hungry.”

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