Iowa high school boys’ golf notes: Warrior Invitational remains one of the premier regular-season events

CEDAR RAPIDS – Dennis Goettel has had one mission with the annual Warrior Invitational.

The Cedar Rapids Washington golf coach has tried to create a top-notch regular-season event and provide an opportunity for high school athletes to play unique and challenging courses they typically wouldn’t experience.

“It's been my motive,” said Goettel, who has run the tournament for about 10 years. “I've always tried to get it on courses that they wouldn't normally get to play. And the kids love to get on some different courses, sometimes country clubs, but courses that are hard to get on and aren't really in the regular season for the high school season. So, that's my goal.”

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Washington hosted the Warrior Invitational Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Country Club. Cedar Rapids Xavier won the state-like team field, shooting a program record 1-under 287. West Des Moines Valley’s Braeden Nelson earned medalist honors with 7-under 65.

Xavier’s old mark was 289 set in the season-opening Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet.

“Breaking another record with a 287 at Cedar Rapids Country Club is huge,” Xavier Coach Brandon Schilz said. “It gives us confidence knowing we can go low on a championship course, but it also motivates us to keep pushing. We’ve set big goals, and this proves we’re capable of chasing them.”

The tournament began in 2010 and was run by Dubuque Wahlert for the first five years. Washington took over in 2015, building it to an 18-team field. The event has been held at notable courses like TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., Eagle Ridge in Galena, Ill., Amana Golf Course, Saddleback Ridge Golf Course, Elmcrest Country Club, Dubuque Country Club, Spirit Hollow in Burlington and Glynn’s Creek in Long Grove. This was the second year held at CRCC.

“I've touched base probably with another 10 or 12 courses that we've never used yet. I don't know if I'll live that long,” Goettel said with a laugh.

The tournament featured 13 of the top 20 teams in Class 4A, including No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling, No. 4 Johnston (previously third), No. 5 Valley and top-10 teams in Xavier North Scott, Wahlert and Bettendorf.

“This was a strong field with some of the best teams in the state,” Schiltz said. “It’s exactly the kind of competition we want right now because it forces us to raise our level and shows us where we can still improve. Playing in events like this prepares us for postseason pressure.”

Nelson led the individual race that included the top-four ranked golfers and eight of the top 11 in the state. Goettel described the bogey-less round as “incredible.”

Goettel highlighted some of the individual achievements like Johnston’s Johannsen driving the green on the 344-yard No. 1 hole and an Indianola player drive the green from 350 yards on the 16th.

“It’s still pretty amazing,” Goettel said. “In all my years, I don't think I remember this many good teams at good individuals.”

Xavier’s Harrison Hartke fired 68 to place second, while teammate Logan Otting came in at 1-under 71. Jacob Schmit and Jack Pauly rounded out the scores with 74 apiece. They beat Valley by six strokes.

“That’s what makes this team special — everyone contributes,” Schiltz said. “To come out on top with that balance, against this level of competition, is something we’re really pumped about. I couldn’t be prouder of these guys — they earned every bit of it.”

View full results from the Warrior Invitational.

DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released postseason assignments Wednesday. Three of the four 4A districts will be held Oct. 6 with one on Oct. 7.

Cedar Falls will host a district a Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, which includes Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Washington, Xavier, Iowa City West, Linn-Mar and Western Dubuque.

“It’s pretty much like a (Mississippi Valley Conference) Super Meet,” Prairie Coach Erik Columbus said. “It’s going to be just like the season where there are so many quality golfers and teams that on the day anything can happen.”

Iowa City High and Iowa City Liberty will compete in a district hosted by Pleasant Valley at Emeis Golf Course in Davenport.

Fort Dodge and Southeast Polk will hold the other two districts.

The top three and top two individuals, on non-qualifying teams, will advance to the 4A state tournament Oct. 13-14 at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston.

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