East Buchanan's Chris Cooksley, Buccaneers try to defend state golf titles

CEDAR RAPIDS — Chris Cooksley was maybe a little intimidated at the state golf meet as a freshman.

He was just 5-foot-6 and 120 pounds, playing against older players, who were much bigger and physically mature. It didn't stop him from becoming just the second freshman in Iowa history to win a state title.

At least three inches, 25 pounds and another state title later, the East Buchanan senior is more likely to be intimidating to opponents.

Cooksley will try to join a select group of three-time state champions as he and East Buchanan look to defend their state championships at the Class 1A state meet Friday and Saturday at American Legion Memorial Golf Course in Marshalltown.

'It's really special because I practice a lot and I work hard every day,' said Cooksley, who tied for third as a sophomore. 'I'm glad to see the results are paying off. Sophomore year didn't end the way I wanted it to but last year I kind of redeemed myself.'

Cooksley could put the finishing touches on one of the state's most accomplished golf careers. He is just one of three freshmen state titlists and one of just 14 two-time state medalists in Iowa history.

Complacency has never been an issue. The Indian Hills Community College commit has kept his mind on his own game, allowing him to succeed with a bigger target on his back.

'You have to stay focused,' Cooksley said. 'You have to always play and it works out in the end.'

Cooksley could join West Branch's Sean McCarty (1989-91), Preston's Kevin Neill (1985-87) and former Walnut Ridge Baptist prep Jon Tink (2007-09) as the only Iowans to win three state golf crowns.

'It feels great going into this week that I have a chance at a third title,' Cooksley said. 'I'm looking forward to it.'

He owns a 70.0 18-hole average, which is more than two strokes better than last season. His 36.54 adjusted combined average is 1.4 points better. He leads all of 1A in average.

'He has been more consistent, especially with his driver and his iron play is always solid,' East Buchanan Scott Zhiss said. 'He doesn't get rattled. He's always been a patient player, waiting for his opportunities.'

Cooksley has been a big component of the Buccaneers state success as a team. They have finished in the top four each of the last three years.

'He's been a huge asset to the program in his playing ability and as a role model to his teammates on what it takes to be successful," Zhiss said. 'He will be missed.'

East Buchanan was fourth three years ago and second in 2015. The Buccaneers won the 1A title with an impressive 23-stroke victory last year. Jacob Hesner, Ryan Schmitt and Dylan Kress return with state experience.

'There will be some talented teams at Marshalltown,' Zhiss said. 'So, nothing will be easy.'

Hesner averages 77 per round. Schmitt and Kress are at 84 and 86, respectively. East Buchanan leads 1A in all averages, including 18 holes (316.80) and combined adjusted (164.36).

'Top to bottom, our stroke averages are better,' Zhiss said. 'For the most part the consistency has been better than last year.'

For Cooksley, the team performance is just as important as his individual quest.

'Winning as an individual is special,' Cooksley said. 'Doing it as a team puts icing on the cake.

'We all worked hard. We like to have fun and joke around but at the same time we're also trying to get better every day. Last year, it was perfect how it all ended up.'

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