Decorah seniors look to cap prep careers with state title

Graduation parties won't hold a candle to the celebration Decorah boys' senior golfers hope ends their high school careers.

Decorah senior Sam Lewey watches his ball on the driving range during practice at the Oneota Country Club and Golf Course in Decorah on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette-KCRG)

After placing third the last two seasons and never placing lower than fifth at the Class 2A state tournament, the Vikings want to conquer the entire state field this year.

Decorah can take another step toward sending seniors Nick Nelson, Sam Lewey and Maynard Newhouse out on top when they compete in one of four Iowa High School Athletic Association district meets across the state Friday at Waverly Municipal Gofl Course. The top two teams and top four individuals, including ties, automatically advance to the state meet May 25-26.

"This is our last shot," Nelson said. "We'd really like to finish on a good note. We've always wanted to get that final title. It would be one of those really good things to finish with a state championship."

The senior trio have been a key part of the Vikings' success since their first varsity season. The dedication started before their freshman season.

"It would mean everything to me," Lewey said of a state title. "All three of us, we've been putting in work since before high school started. We've been working toward this goal and it would just be great to get it done this last year."

Success doesn't just depend on drives, putts or birdies. Intangibles have powered the Vikings squad the last few years, and are characteristics this team.

 Decorah Coach Rich Gaard praised his team for their work ethic, which is fueled by a strong passion for the game of golf. He said the team, led by the three seniors, will often remain on the golf course until dark. It is common for them to squeeze 36 holes or more during a weekend, and Gaard does not have to remind them to work to get better.

Decorah senior Nick Nelson hits the ball out of a stand trap at golf practice at the Oneota Country Club and Golf Course in Decorah on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette-KCRG)

After they finished claiming a sectional title last Friday, beating Clear Lake by 17 strokes behind medalist Nelson, third-place Lewey and junior Peter Kephart, who was fourth, the team travelled to Waukon for a practice round to prepare for the Northeast Iowa Conference meet.

"It's a coach's dream to have motivated kids like this," Gaard said. "They spend a lot of time on the course. Obviously, it paid off for them."

Nelson said he believes that dedication and love for golf is origin of the Vikings' success, helping them to a 32-1 mark and top spot in the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association 3A team performance rankings.

"When you have guys willing to come out and play a million holes and hit a million shots and not even think of it as a pain in the butt it's fun," Nelson said. "We go out to practice everyday and we can't wait to play."

It shows they share the same affection for the sport and willingness to put in the time and effort. They inspire each other, while challenging them to improve.

"We're all competing against and with each other," Lewey said. "It's easier to be out there practicing everyday when you have them as playing partners."

The Vikings benefit from a strong camaraderie. They enjoy spending time on and off the course with one another.

"All six of us are really close. We're friends outside of golf," Lewey said. "Sometimes some of the best memories are the rides to the meets. We're all so close and have a good time."

The team has depth and balance, including the three seniors, Kephart and Bryce Pierce, all earning all-NEIC honors whil leading the Vikings to a 31-stroke win.

"If one or two golfers slip then someone picks up the slack and that's been a characteristic of our team this year," Gaard said. "We've been able to rely upon different golfers at different times."

Nelson, Maynard and Lewey lead that list. Nelson hopes to continue the strong tradition of individual champions from Decorah, joining Cody Schweinefus and Andrew Peter. Nelson has been in the top 16 at state the last three years, tying with the four-best score as a junior.

"It's one of those things where if you're an elite high school golfer that's the ultimate goal," Nelson said. "Also, if you're winning an individual title, you're doing a heck of a lot for your team. If I won a state championship, I would know I couldn't do anything more to help my team."

They know they have to earn their way to state Friday. The Vikings will have to overcome Clear Lake, West Delaware, Benton Community and Independence to be in position for the desired finish.

"We're approaching Waverly as another meet," Gaard said. "From there, we'll go to state, but we've got to get through districts first."