Vinton-Shellsburg golfers make strides

Vinton-Shellsburg Coach Chad Pettyjohn has seen the steps taken the last three years.

Results really reflect the sizable strides the Vikings have taken during that time.

Vinton-Shellsburg is coming off a runner-up team finish at the Wamac Super Meet on Monday, and will look to earn its second straight district berth when the postseason begins Friday.

The Vikings will compete in a Class 3A sectional at Pin Oak Golf Course in Manchester.

'It's been a fun year for us,” said Pettyjohn, noting the Vikings were 45-11 through Tuesday. 'We've really shot consistent golf this year.”

At the heart of the Vikings ascension is a strong work ethic, according to Pettyjohn. He said scoring averages and meet performances both have become better.

'We have a bunch of good kids,” Pettyjohn said. 'They spend a lot of time on the golf course.

'It's a real credit to the kids. They've just really worked hard.”

The first year Pettyjohn took over as head coach goals were modest, wanting to place in the top half of each team event. They worked on improving those finishes last year. Now, the Vikings are focused on top-three finishes, which they have done in all but one meet.

'Up to this point, we've been fortunate and have done it,” Pettyjohn said. 'Most of the meets we've been able to collect a lot of individual medals (and) team awards.”

They have individuals capable of shooting low rounds, like senior Dan Janssen, who leads the team with a 39.5 nine-hole average. A four-year starter, Janssen has earned medals in eight of 12 events.

'He has been a quiet, steady leader,” Pettyjohn said. 'He's not very outspoken, but he leads by example with all the work he puts in.”

The Vikings have a lot of depth and balance. Pettyjohn said the team has 12 golfers vying for spots with eight seeing varsity action. Eight golfers average less than 44 over nine and seven come in less than 86 per 18.

Tyler Stueck has a team best 79.75 18-hole average. Stueck and Austin Bohnsack led the Vikings to the impressive conference finish, edging state caliber teams of Williamsburg and Mount Vernon on a tiebreaker. All six golfers shot 87 or better.

'We talk about it all the time that every score matters,” Pettyjohn said. 'We didn't necessarily go low with our top score, but we were all around that 80 mark.”

The Vikings have been motivated to improve last year, which concluded at district meet. They are focused to that second postseason round, putting themselves in position to claim a state meet berth.

'We feel good where we're at,” Pettyjohn said. 'We can control some things. Hopefully, we can make a little noise.”

MACHULA POST BEST ROUND

Cedar Rapids Prairie's Emily Machula recorded her best round at the right time on her home course. The performance cemented a first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division honor Tuesday at Airport National Golf Course.

'It was kind of a big step for me,” said Machula, who was runner-up with a 78 in the final of two rounds of divisional play. 'Last year, I was second team, so I was really hoping to get the gold (certificate) for this year, so I was really proud of it.”

Machula said she did not begin playing competitive golf until her freshman year. Tuesday was the first time she broke 80 for 18 holes. She has tried to develop a strong overall game.

'My driver has always been pretty good,” Machula said. 'I've been trying to work on my putting and chipping to get the short game together.”

Her attention will quickly turn to the postseason and upcoming practice rounds at Gardner Golf Course. She is looking to earn a trip to the state tournament for the first time. Prairie will play at a regional hosted by Cedar Rapids Washington.

'I'm really looking to get that top-five finish, hoping to make it to state,” Machula said. 'It'd be really special.”

ROBERTS WITH AN ACE

Cedar Falls' Kenzie Roberts scored an ace at the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division meet Monday at Brown Deer Golf Course in Iowa City. She used a sand wedge on the 65-yard No. 14 hole.

Iowa City West won the divisional meet with 344 but was second overall, finishing five strokes back of Cedar Falls. Mackenzi Marsh, Avery Kout and Jordan Amelon were first-team golfers for West.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy's Sierra Hargens also earned first-team honors.

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