Cedar Rapids Washington’s Jane Petersen, Preston Haefner earn runner-up honors at Class 2A state co-ed golf meet

Cedar Rapids Washington duo Jane Petersen and Preston Haefner added one more accomplishment to their prep golf career.

The Warriors teamed to finished second in the Class 2A state co-ed golf meet Tuesday at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone. Petersen and Haefner carded 71 in the one-round alternating shot competition. They played together for the second straight season, winning last year’s tournament.

“It was a great way to end our high school careers,” Petersen messaged to The Gazette, noting they broke par on No. 18 to end 1-under. “It means a lot to be able to add one final accolade to Washington’s golf program.”

Cedar Falls’ Molly Ratchford and Anthony Galvin shot 68 to claim the 2A title Tuesday. Grundy Center’s Leah Larson and Judd Jirovsky were the 1A co-ed state champions at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown.

Petersen was a four-time Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state qualifier. She was a runner-up as a sophomore, sixth as a junior and eighth this season. Petersen shared Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division Player of the Year honors with Ratchford.

Petersen continued her success in the co-ed event. She played with her brother, Nile, as a freshman, coming in fourth. Petersen and Ben Blockinger represented Washington in 2023, finishing second. She also capped her career in fine fashion.

“Pretty impressive,” Washington Coach Denny Goettel wrote in a text message with The Gazette. “She chipped in for eagle on her last shot of her high school career.”

Haefner, a four-year letterwinner, was a first-team all-MVC performer.

Washington had two teams place in the top-eight in 2A. Warriors multisport spring athlete Lily Belle Barker and Bjorn White tied for eighth with 79.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com