Montezuma boys’ golf team isn’t satisfied with a successful start: ‘They’re talking about winning state’

MONTEZUMA — Montezuma Coach Randy Masterson has a finger on the pulse of his boys’ golf team.

After all, the current upperclassmen started varsity competition his first year leading the programs. The Braves’ third-year head coach knew what to expect from the defending South Iowa Cedar League and sectional team champions.

“I’ve been with these kids their whole high school careers,” Masterson said. “I knew they were going to improve and they have been strong. I knew coming in we were going to be pretty tough.”

Montezuma won its first four competitions and ranked first in Class 1A in all three nine-hole scoring categories and combined adjusted average. The successful start mirrors last season, but the Braves want a better finish than a year ago.

“I know all their goals,” Masterson said. “They’re talking about winning state. That’s what they want. They’re off to a good start for it.

“They’re shooting for everything. They want it all.”

Montezuma owns a 165.60 adjusted average, which is more than four strokes better than any other 1A program. The Braves averaged 154.50 in the first four nine-hole triangulars, winning each by 10 strokes or more. Montezuma senior Maguire DeJong said potential exists to be better.

“We’ve been playing pretty good golf,” DeJong said. “I don’t think we’re at our peak, yet. I’m going to be quite honest. I think we still have a lot of improvement.”

Cruz DeJong leads the way with a 40.03 combined adjusted average while Maguire is second with 40.53. Sophomore Max Anderson is third at 41.03 and junior Jack Erselius comes in under 46. Seniors Owen Cook and Carsten James have an identical 46.28.

“I’m really impressed with the work that our guys have put in during the offseason,” Maguire DeJong said. “We got a lot of guys that were coming in with high 40s and low 50s last year and they are high 30s and low 40s this year.”

Depth is a luxury that other programs don’t have. Masterson said the Braves field six quality varsity players and two more are good enough to be inserted in the starting lineup.

“Our depth sets us apart from any other team in the state,” DeJong said. “It pushes each other to do our best and that’s one of the key reasons we will have success this year.”

Interestingly, the Braves are balancing multiple activities. Maguire DeJong is an accomplished race car driver, competing on dirt tracks and focusing on sport mods and modifieds divisions. Erselius is a member of the track and field team in addition to golf participation, splitting his time in practice. Others play football and basketball.

“Montezuma has a lot of athletic kids,” Masterson said. “We have some athletes.”

The Braves just missed the state tournament last season. The district result caused a sting. One they want to soothe with this year’s performance.

“I truly think not getting to state is what will make us better this year,” Maguire DeJong said. “It fueled the fire and that’s our No. 1 goal this year. That is the end goal this year and I think we have a really good shot at it.”

Xavier girls off to perfect start

Cedar Rapids Xavier has started 7-0 this season. The Saints won a triangular against Iowa City West and Western Dubuque Tuesday at Twin Pines Golf Course. Xavier scored 163, topping the Bobcats by 14.

Xavier also topped Linn-Mar, Cedar Rapids Washington and Cedar Rapids Jefferson last week at Gardner Golf Course.

Meera Julka paces Xavier with a 41.67 combined adjusted average. Freshman Mehar Julka is second with 42.33 and Jenna Kramer comes in at 43.67.

Xavier is third in the state in team combined adjusted average at 173.0. Linn-Mar is fourth at 173.2 and Washington is fifth at 177.20. Gilbert leads at 162.9.

CRANDIC meet at Gardner

The annual CRANDIC girls’ golf meet is set for Wednesday at Gardner Golf Course. The 18-hole meet will start at 9:30 a.m.

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