HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints finish strong on links

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By Daniel Vega, Xavier Senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier senior Matt Junge grabbed the Valley Division Golf Player of the year Award and his coach, Tim O'Brien, took home his third straight Coach of the Year Award recently.

Junge senior Ben Sagers' Player of the year (2012) with one of his own.

'It feels really good winning such a prestigious award,' Junge said. 'I have worked on a lot of things to help with my season. My putting was the biggest one. If I made more birdie putts, my game would get better, and it did. Xavier had never had a Player of the Year, but to have two back-to=back, that is really special. Credit to Ben for being the first.'

O'Brien backed up his coaching performance last year with yet another honor.

'I have tremendous support from my golf parents and administrators and that has made a difference as well,' coach O'Brien said.

The Saints proved their reign in the MVC by grabbing three of six first-team all-conference spots with selections of Junge, Sagers and freshman Kellen Gray. Sophomore Jordan Even was named honorable mention.

The Saints competed in the Valley Division meet on Sept. 30 at Gardner golf Course, finishing with a score of 306 just ahead of Cedar Rapids Washington and Linn-Mar. They then competed in the district meet at Elmcrest Country Club, placing  third with a score of 313 behind champion Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cedar Rapids Washington.

The Saints finished 10th a tthe state championships Oct. 11-12 at Hunters Ridge Golf Course. Junge led the team, earning his second straight top-10 finish.