Western Dubuque golfers bounce between classes

Their golf clubs didn't have the chance to collect dust.

The Western Dubuque golf team didn't have the chance to put them away, because of the quick turnaround between varsity seasons.

The Bobcats have teetered between classifications, but returned to Class 4A competition this fall after playing at the 3A level last spring. They have alternated between the two classes in recent school years.

Western Dubuque played 3A golf in the spring of 2010, 2012 and 2014. The switch to fall occurred in 2010, 2012 and this season.

'It's kind of tough,” Western Dubuque Coach Ben Wilson said. 'The kids can't get in a routine for what sports to go out for.”

Western Dubuque is 48th, according to BEDS Document of enrollment posted at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union website. While many smaller schools rely on multisport athletes to maintain participation levels, the Bobcats have not been hampered by conflicts with cross country and football.

Wilson said he doesn't have any golfers participating in multiple fall sports. Western Dubuque has 14 golfers on its roster.

'I had a couple kids who were planning on playing football and came out for golf instead,” Wilson said. 'They were primarily golf kids and they had a tough decision to make to start the school year. I didn't lose any golfers to other sports.”

The Bobcats have been able to continue playing competitive golf from spring to now, playing tournaments throughout the summer. Wilson said he prefers fall golf for all, because the weather is nicer and the courses are in better condition.

'It really helped some of my kids,” Wilson said. 'Playing fall golf helps the kids prepare for the season. (In spring) it's so tough to get in any type of groove early because they hadn't had time to work on their game.”

One of those Bobcats is senior Ryan Sola. He is currently averaging 39.4 strokes in nine-hole rounds, which is more than 2.3 strokes better than the spring. His combined adjusted average has improved from 42.81 to 42.12.

'He has played well this fall, because he dedicated his time in the spring to improve. Then, he found out we were going to play fall golf and he put in a lot of time in the summer. For him, it's been an advantage to play and play again.”

The jump from 3A to 4A is better than dropping down, embracing the quick turnaround more than a long layoff. The Bobcats did not play the entire 2011 calendar year when it went from 4A to 3A in consecutive school years.

Wilson said competition is more challenging at the 4A level.

'It's a huge hurdle to try to clear to beat some 4A teams,” Wilson said. 'We've had some ups and downs this year but I think we would have been at a huge disadvantage had we not played in the spring.”

PRAIRIE HAWK STAYS BUSY

Cedar Rapids Prairie sophomore Matt Lorenz stays pretty busy in the fall. Not only is he a part of the Hawks golf lineup, he is a member of the defending state champion cross country team, which is currently ranked fourth by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches.

Lorenz averages a little more than 41 per nine holes and 81 per 18 for head golf coach Erik Columbus. Lorenz is 13th in the MVC Valley Division individual standings before Monday's meet. He is just one spot out of earning second-team honors.

LINDWALL LEADS METRO

Cedar Rapids Washington's Frank Lindwall leads all Metro golfers, according to quikstats through the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

Lindwall is tied for second in Class 4A with a 37.11 combined average adjusted by course rating. Lindwall owns a 36.25 nine-hole average and a 71.5 18-hole average in 10 total reported events. The Warrior sophomore is second in 4A in 18-hole average through six rounds.

Washington will compete in the final round of the Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Divisional on Monday at Irv Warren Golf Course in Waterloo. The MVC Valley will be hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Ellis Golf Course.

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