Decorah, West Delaware face tough district field

The field will be good preparation for the state tournament.

Unfortunately, not enough berths are available for one or two of the top Class 3A boys' golf teams.

The top four scoring teams, including West Delaware, Decorah and defending state champion Webster City, will compete in a district meet hosted by Gilbert on Friday. Two team state berths are on the line with a third available if Gilbert places first or second. Independence also qualified.

'There are a lot of good teams there,' West Delaware senior Clayton Larsen said. 'It will be a good match. All the guys are excited.'

The Vikings have faced similar tasks in the past. Decorah senior Sam Sacquitne said it resembles a 'mini-state' tournament.

'We have always had a hard district but nothing quite like this,' Sacquitne said. 'We know we are playing the best teams in the state and only three are going to advance.

'It makes you sharpen your game.'

West Delaware is two years removed from its state title performance. The Hawks stumbled at the district meet last year, but have been nearly unbeatable this season, winning the sectional by 14 strokes over the host Vikings at Oneota Golf Course last week.

The Hawks grabbed the top three individual spots. Larsen was medalist, firing 72. Bryce Frick and Trent Shaw were second and third with 75 and 76, respectively.

Larsen said the key is addressing the things they can control and shut out everything on the periphery. He said the Hawks look forward to the challenge, which include a setback to Gilbert from earlier this season.

'We're more focused on our game,' Larsen said. 'We're focused on what we need to do.'

Larsen was a state runner-up as a sophomore. He missed the event last year, but is ready for one more shot. He is third in 3A with a 73.71 18-hole average. Gilbert's Garret Jensen leads the class at 69.29.

Over the last couple seasons, Larsen has learned about his game and can identify his strengths. He has played well because he is in more control of each round.

'My patience is a lot better,' Larsen said. 'It definitely helped me this year.'

Closing his prep career at state and contending for a title would be memorable to Larsen.

'It will be special to get down there as a senior,' Larsen said. 'It would be something I would never forget.'

Decorah was fifth last year and is led by Sacquitne, who has placed sixth at state the last two seasons. He was fourth at the sectional with 78.

Sacquitne is attempting to reach the state meet in all four years.

'It would mean the world to me,' said Sacquitne, who averages 75.25 per 18-hole round. 'I put in all this effort and time to do that. The last three years have been great.

'Last year, we wished things had gone differently at the state tournament. It is what it is. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to have another opportunity to try to get back to the state tournament and get the job done.'

The 3A state tournament is May 27-28 at Spring Valley Golf Course in Livermore. Class 2A will be held at Fort Dodge's Lakeside Golf Course. The American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown will host the 1A state meet.

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