Solon’s Zoske, Independence in contention for Class 3A state golf titles

Solon’s Isaiah Zoske owned aspirations of a state title.

Now, he is in position to make that a reality.

Zoske fired 5-under 67 and is tied for the individual lead after the first round of the Class 3A boys’ state golf tournament Tuesday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. He was tired with Nevada’s Parker Rodgers. Waverly-Shell Rock owned the team lead with 291, just three shots ahead of both Independence and MOC-Floyd Valley.

Zoske was Solon’s first state runner-up last season and is looking for the school’s first boys’ golf crown.

“Very focused,” Solon Coach Adam Stahle said of Zoske. “I believe it has been one of his goals all year. He needs to keep the ball in play and stay confident on the greens.”

Zoske was impressive on the back nine, carding a 4-under 32. He recorded an eagle on the par-5 No. 17 and birdies on the 14 th and 18 th holes. Zoske also had three birdies on the front.

“His short game and experience,” Stahle said about his ability to shoot well. “It has given him confidence and to battle for all 18 holes.”

Wamac Conference was represented among the team leaders. The Mustangs shot 294, receiving a 2-under 70 from Jacob Bonefas and an even-par 72 from Dawson Fuelling. Bonefas was in fourth place and Fuelling is tied for sixth.

Ethan Cahalan and Carter Palmer added 76 apiece, giving Independence a shot at the team title.

Independence Coach Ryan Ruffcorn said the Mustangs wanted to be in striking distance after Day 1. They did exactly that.

“They all competed well and am looking towards a solid day,” Ruffcorn said. “For tomorrow, we will have to be solid around the greens as we were today. Iqt2 seemed like we had our best short game of the season.

“Our depth has to show up again to compete. If all six guys play well, we have a shot.”

West Delaware was fifth at 298 and the Spartans were sixth with 303.

In Class 1A at South Hills in Waterloo, Hillcrest Academy duo Liam Schrock and Rowan Miller finished the first round in third and tied for fourth, respectively. Schrock shot 75, one better than Miller.

South Winneshiek was in second place with 325, trailing Boyden-Hull by 19. Carson Streeter is tied for sixth with 77 to lead the Warriors.

Tipton’s Gavin Roth carded a 75 at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo. He is tied for fifth after the first day.

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