Xavier golfer Max Henderson got a nice surprise before state meet

CEDAR RAPIDS - The fall boys' golf season ended a month ago, but Xavier Coach Tim O'Brien showed his appreciation for senior Max Henderson before the state meet.

To his surprise, Henderson was named captain in front of the school during a homecoming pep rally a day before the state tournament. held Oct. 5 at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville.

O'Brien said Henderson was selected captain based on his performance and how he presented himself on and off the course.

'I had no idea that I was going to be named captain, let alone in front of so many people,” Henderson said. 'I did not know what to do, so I just stood there like a deer in headlights.”

O'Brien appreciated Henderson's hard work before and during the season.

'I would practice at least an hour or play a round every day up until the season,” Henderson said.

The Saints qualified for state as a team, finishing 10th. Henderson qualified individually after shooting a 78 at the district meet, three strokes off his personal best.

Although state did not go as Henderson hoped, he and his teammates enjoyed the experience.

'I honestly thought we played well as a team. We shot a score that would have won most of the meets we played in this year,” junior Michael Glavan said. 'I think things are looking up for us as a team, and there is nothing for us to hang our heads about.”

Senior Nick Recker was the highest finisher, tying for 19th. Glavan and sophomore Matthew Schmit tied for 39th.

'I was very happy with a 74 because I felt like I gave it everything I had,” Recker said. 'I was glad my last meet was spent surrounded by this team.”

The Saints will lose four seniors from this year's varsity team.

'I cannot say enough good things about the impact the seniors had on this season,” O'Brien said. 'They will all be missed.”