Hard work has paid dividends for Cedar Rapids Kennedy girls golf

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Kennedy has its work cut out for them, but hard work has been their forte.

The Cougars devoted time and effort last summer and during the winter, putting themselves in position for a state berth this spring.

Kennedy travels to Des Moines for a Class 5A regional meet Monday at Willow Creek Golf Course. The top-two teams and top-five individuals, including fifth-place ties, advance to the 5A state tournament at Lake Panorama National Golf Course in Panora.

Regardless of the next result, this has been a memorable year. The Cougars captured a CRANDIC team title and set a new school scoring record with a 339 to win the Kennedy Invitational.

'It's been a good season,' Kennedy Coach Julie Buerman said. 'All the girls have put in a lot of hard work, so it's been great to see the hard work pay off. It's finally coming together.'

The Cougars own an 18-hole average of 352.50. They have improved by almost 30 strokes from last season. The adjusted 9- and 18-hole combined average is a little more than 13 strokes better than 2015.

'It's the whole team that is making the season very special,' Buerman said. 'It is an entire team effort.'

Kennedy is in search of its first state team appearance since 2008. The Cougars will have to overcome the likes of Waukee, which has the third best scoring average in 5A, Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson, Johnston, Sioux City public schools, Southeast Polk and Urbandale. Johnston averages just two strokes more than the Cougars.

'It's a really good field,' Buerman said. 'I think our girls have done a lot of hard work. Many have come over and played practice rounds this weekend or last. I think if the girls keep doing what they've been doing all season we've got a pretty good shot to make it.'

The goal is to continue the play that has propelled them to this point. Consistency and course management will be key.

'We need to stay away from big numbers,' Buerman said. 'We have to minimalize errors.'

Senior Sierra Hargens, an Indiana State recruit, has been impressive this season. She averages 74.17 over 18 holes. Hargens qualified for state as a sophomore but missed the cut last season. She has been motivated to return.

'I think it's a huge deal for her,' Buerman said. 'She was disappointed last year with not being able to qualify.

'I think it would be special for her to go.'

Like Kennedy, Iowa City West heads to Des Moines for a regional at A.H. Blank Golf Course. The Women of Troy reached the state meet last season and will face Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines East, Des Moines Roosevelt, Indianola, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, West Des Moines Dowling and West Des Moines Valley.

The remainder of 5A Metro schools compete at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. The Tigers host Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Cedar Rapids Washington, Dubuque Hempstead, Fort Dodge, Linn-Mar, Mason City, Muscatine and Waterloo West.

Iowa City High is the lone regional host. The Little Hawks welcome Ankeny Centennial, Bettendorf, Burlington, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport North, Davenport West, Dubuque Senior and Pleasant Valley.

City High senior Sarah Overton is attempting to return to state, placing 10th last season. She captured Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division Athlete of the Year honors for the second-straight year. She looked to build off that achievement.

'It's a booster, for sure,' Overton said. 'To have this is great. I'd like to be playing my best golf at the end.'

Cedar Rapids Xavier and Marion will compete in a 4A regional at Grinnell's Oakland Acres Golf Course.

The state tournament for all classes will be May 31 and June 1. Classes 4A and 3A will be held at Ames Golf and Country Club. The 1A and 2A competitions will be at Jester Park Golf Course in Granger.

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