Xavier was happy to host, participate in state golf

CEDAR RAPIDS - State championship competitions for high school sports in Iowa are typically defined by the venue's electric atmosphere and rich history, providing athletes of the past and present with an opportunity to experience their sport in a truly surreal environment.

From the UNI-Dome for football to Wells Fargo Arena for basketball and wrestling, the bottom line remains the same. Aspirations of a state title were either fulfilled or shattered out on those playing surfaces, and the legacy of the participants continues to live on.

For the sport of golf, however, the fight for the first place trophy occurs at a different venue every year. Schools from all around the state get a chance to 'host” the event and this year Xavier got to host at Elmcrest Country Club.

Senior Luke Winker and the other varsity members have used this as an extra motivational factor throughout this fall.

'None of us want to be the guys spotting balls at Elmcrest during the day of state competition,” Winker said before last weekend's two-day tournament.

Xavier made the 12-team field and finished 10th with rounds of 326 and 327.

Tyler Breitbach led the Saints with a 160, finishing in a tie for 24th. Mitch King (166), Brody Robinson (167), Winker (168), Sam Martin (168) and Matt Neumeyer (170) all played for the Saints.

Winker led the Saints all weekend and has an adjusted average of 38.59 strokes before state.

'The determining factor for my consistency on the course is my solid short game,” Winker said. 'Even if I am not hitting the ball well, I am able to get up and down and make par with no problem.”

Coach Tim O'Brien said Winker, although quiet, had a positive influence on the team.

'(Luke) is a really smart golfer and has a greater understanding of managing his misses in comparison to a few years ago,” O'Brien said.