Decorah dominates way to 3A state title (Video)

Vikings have been associated with conquering foes.

The Decorah boys' golf team lived up to that Viking-head image on their shirts and those big snazzy belt buckles that some wore.

The Vikings dominated the field for the second straight day to capture the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A state team title Saturday at Ames Golf and Country Club. Decorah scored 308 in the final round for a total of 616, winning by 34 strokes over Clear Lake.

All six Vikings placed in the top 18, winning their first boys state team title since 1968.

“We have six golfers who are one of the best in the state,” Decorah senior Maynard Newhouse said. “Definitely our balanced scoring came out on top in the end.”

They had plenty of motivation for this weekend. The last two years have ended with third-place finishes, and Decorah lost a tiebreaker to Clear Lake at district. If that wasn't enough, the golfers saw the reception for the Vikings 3A state champion track team.

“All the golfers were like we want this,” the Vikings Sam Lewey said. “We want that celebration.

“It feels so awesome. We've been working so long for this. Countless days in the summer, it finally all paid off.”

Watch the awards presentation

Nick Nelson led the way for the Norse. He shot 1-over par 73, including 35 on the back nine for a total of 150, which tied for second. Newhouse placed fourth with 151 and was joined in the top 10 by teammate Michael Peter, who carded a second-round 79 for 157 total.

Nelson became the fifth state runner-up in Decorah history and first since former teammate Andrew Peter in 2010. He placed behind Centerville freshman Alex Moorman, who shot 73-74-147. According to the IHSAA officials, he was not the first freshman to win a state title, but said it was a rare accomplishment.

Complete Class 3A results

Nelson tied for fourth last year, but wasn't concerned with personal achievements.

“Obviously you'd like to win, but we really came here for the team title,” Nelson said. “We finished it off.

“The personal goal was really reached by the title for our team. I'll remember that much more than an individual round.”

Newhouse did not expect a top-five finish, but it became a possibility after posting the second-best first-round score.

“If you had told me that would have got fourth … I probably would have said you're nuts,” Newhouse said. “I played lights out the first day, which was great. It was a great confidence booster, and just managed my round the second day to bring it home.”

Newhouse discusses the team title

Lewey shot 79 as well finishing with a two-day total of 159, matching teammate Bryce Pierce in a three-way tie for 12th. Twice a Viking golfer shot 80, but it was not good enough to crack the team's top-four.

“We had all sorts of guys step up,” Nelson said. “The course was not easy. To count four scores in the 70s each day, our highest score was 83, it's really solid golf. I think a lot of that goes into preparation. We knew we could play conservative, and put ourselves in positions to minimize our risk.”

The Vikings owned a 13-stroke lead over Harlan after the first day, and then handled a stiff wind that made the course even more challenging. Decorah Coach Rich Gaard said it was a total team effort, a characteristic of a championship team.

“They just put a stamp on the second day,” Gaard said. “It was a tremendous job. A tremendous statement.”

Much of Decorah's success stemmed from the camaraderie. The Vikings gelled and took the course as a tight-knit group. They were confident and fed off each other's momentum.

“We felt like this year, more so than other years, it was a team effort,” Nelson said. “We shoot low scores together. We had a desire to win this tournament (and) finish strong and play really well.”

The title sends off a group of seniors that will be hard for Gaard to replace. He said Nelson, Newhouse and Lewey had an unmatched passion for golf and excelled on the course and in the classroom.

“It's sad to see them leave,” Gaard said. “They've been an integral part of our golf team."

The Washington Demons made its fifth straight state meet appearance and finished sixth with 664. Senior Alex Thode made his fourth straight state trip, placing eighth with his second straight 78 for a total of 156.

Williamsburg was two shots back of Washington to finish seventh. Junior Drew Slings entered the day in third with 75 and finished with 158 to place 11th. Corbin Blythe posted a 77 for a total of 163.

Valley Community senior Levi Fink made school history in his state debut. Fink, the first-day leader, became Valley's first state runner-up, shooting 77 Saturday for a 152 over the two rounds at 1A state meet at Lake Panorama National Resort in Panora. He came within one stroke of Don Bosco state champion Carson Barron.

Complete Class 1A results

Belle Plaine produced team performance of the day with a 334 and improving their first-round score by 30 strokes. The Plainesmen were third with 698. Algona Garrigan won the team title 687 and Treynor was second, six strokes ahead of Belle Plaine.

Junior Ryan Zumbach led the Plainesmen with 90-80-170. Senior trio Logan Baburek, Nick Bachelder and Caleb Parr each scored a two-day total of 176.

In Class 2A, North Cedar finished seventh with 677 led by Kyle Jackson, whose 162 tied for 18th at Spring Valley Golf Course in Livermore. Iowa City Regina freshman Grant Hogan shot 187 over the two days. Waterloo Columbus won the team title with 617, and South O'Brien's Shaan Desai won a playoff over Mitch Maiers of Columbus after a tie with 150.

Complete Class 2A results