Vinton-Shellsburg boosted by recent success with boys’ golf postseason approaching

Vinton-Shellsburg’s success has come at a good time.

The Vikings have won their last two tournaments with the boys’ golf championship season approaching quickly. A sign of their growth throughout the spring.

“As the season progressed, that consistency has come from all six of our spots in our lineup,” Vinton-Shellsburg Coach Chad Pettyjohn said. “It has allowed us to be a really competitive team.”

The Vikings captured the Wamac West divisional team title, posting a 311 total and topping runner-up Williamsburg by five strokes. Vinton-Shellsburg senior Carter Lamont earned medalist honors with 73, while sophomore teammate Eli Olinger finished third at 77.

“Like any tournament, I go in trying to win because I know I am capable,” Lamont said. “I know the team can put together good scores to compete for the top spot or win. It is really reassuring to know we can do that.”

The victory came on the heels of a first-place team finish at Maquoketa Country Club last week. It serves as a springboard into the Wamac Super Meet on Monday and the sectional tournament Wednesday. Both are at their home Wildcat Golf Course, though Center Point-Urbana is hosting the conference competition.

“We showed a lot of resilience on Monday,” Lamont said. “I just look forward to performing as a team later on.”

Kaden Fisher and Easton Almquist added 79 and 82, respectively. All four Vinton-Shellsburg scorers carded their low 18-hole round of the season, according to Bound.

Lamont and Olinger have paced the Vikings, medaling in meets and averaging less than 80. Lamont owns a 40.24 combined adjusted average, while Olinger sits at 42.54. They have support with the top six scorers coming in at 47.54 or better. It all trickles down from the top.

“Carter and Eli have played really consistent golf this year,” Pettyjohn said. “It sets a tone for everybody.

“With both at the top, that helps out. What we talk about, as a team, is to chunk up the course into sets of three holes, sometimes sets of sixes. That way when a kid is struggling a little, we get that out of our heads, build momentum on the next six and try to make the course more manageable.”

The starting lineup consists of four seniors and two sophomores who have other classmates devoted to golf and play on the junior varsity level. They have a tight-knit group, contributing to the strides made as a team this spring.

“I’m fortunate,” Pettyjohn said. “They’re a bunch of great kids. They like each other. It’s real fun. It’s a safe place. Everybody gets along and they really pull for each other. It helps out when we digest the round on the way home. Everybody can talk freely and talk through what happened.”

Pettyjohn appreciates Lamont’s effort to be a more vocal leader. He has spoken up in pre-meet huddles, sharing his experience and knowledge with teammates.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth out of him,” Pettyjohn said. “He’s typically a pretty quiet kid and focused individual. … A big thing for us is around the green and trying to get up and down, limiting three-putts. He’s been a tremendous leader in that respect to help kids and talk to them.”

Lamont, who signed to play for the University of Northern Iowa, tied for eighth at the Class 3A state meet last season. He has limited the peaks and valleys of last season. Scores may not be as good, but he has certainly been more level.

“Not necessarily better but more consistent,” Lamont said about his results. “Last year, I was all over the place. This year has been more rinse and repeat with the same stuff. I’m trying to improve for the postseason, obviously.”

Lamont’s approach to the postseason is simple. He doesn’t cloud his mind with the opposition or arbitrary numbers to hit on his scorecard. The goal is to remain calm and do his best. Everything else will fall into place.

“I just like to play my own game,” Lamont said. “Let it play out.

“Just taking every shot slow and knowing each shot has the same level of importance.”

IHSAA golf postseason starts next week

The Iowa High School Athletic Association golf postseason opens next week. Some Class 1A and 2A sectionals will be held Tuesday, while the remaining sectionals in those classes and all 3A sections are slated for Wednesday, May 8.

The top two individuals, including ties, from non-qualifying teams will advance to districts May 13. The top two teams, and the third-place team if the host school places first or second, also advance. The state tournaments will be held May 20-21 in Ames.

In addition to Vinton-Shellsburg, West Delaware will host a 3A sectional at Pin Oaks Links. The field includes Marion, Anamosa, CPU, Decorah, Maquoketa, Solon and Waukon.

Iowa City Regina will compete in a 1A sectional Tuesday hosted by Mid-Prairie at Kalona Golf Course. The Regals and Golden Hawks will face Central Lee, Mediapolis, Tipton, Van Buren County, West Branch and West Liberty. Qualifiers will move on to the district at Pleasant Valley Golf Course in Iowa City, hosted by Regina.

Western Dubuque girls lead Class 4A

After a runner-up finish at the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet on Monday at Ellis Golf Course, Western Dubuque sits atop the Class 4A standings in combined adjusted average. The Bobcats own a 171.42 team combined adjusted average, almost 0.80 ahead of second-place Waukee Northwest.

MVC Super Meet champion Cedar Rapids Washington is sixth at 177.69 and Linn-Mar is seventh with 181.43.

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