Decorah golfers working for state return

CEDAR RAPIDS - Decorah Coach Rich Gaard has a pretty good problem with this year's golf team.

They don't really know when to walk away from the course.

'Practice is over, but it's not really over for them,” Gaard said. 'They stay out there and continue to keep working or playing. They come back from a meet the same way.

'It's been fun to watch that part of it. They want to get better.”

The Vikings are ranked among the top teams in Class 3A again, cracking the top five in 18-hole average and combined adjusted average for nine and 18 holes.

They are attempting to return to the state tournament after a year hiatus, missing a berth last season by one stroke. Decorah finished one stroke behind runner-up Clear Lake and only two back of eventual state champion West Delaware at district. Clear Lake placed fourth at state.

'That has been something in all our minds from last year,” Gaard said of the tough loss. 'I think it has been a motivator for all our team of varsity players to not let that happen again.”

Decorah has been a traditional golf power and has benefitted from good depth. The trend has continued with seven golfers vying for starting spots and multiple Vikings contending for honors each meet.

'The key of our team is we have had balanced scoring,” Gaard said. 'Four out of six guys have each been competitive at events. It's helped our team scores.”

Two-time state qualifier Sam Sacquitne leads the way, averaging 70.5 strokes per 18 holes. Sacquitne placed sixth at state as an individual last year, tying for 12th as a freshman for Decorah's state runner-up team in 2013. He has been consistent, shooting low rounds. Sacquitne shot 4-under par for one tournament. His score of 68 is the best over 18 holes in 3A this season.

'He is making gradual improvement,” Gaard said. 'He is probably shooting a little better than last spring for some of the early rounds.”

Sacquitne has the potential to follow in the footsteps of former Decorah golfers Cody Schweinefus, Andrew Peter and Nick Nelson. All three won state titles.

'He's had good mentors,” Gaard said. 'They have been great role models.”

The Vikings have had a total team effort. Twin seniors, Reese and Reid Drenth, have been regular scorers with Reese Drenth averaging less than 40 per nine holes and 78 for 18. Derek Weis and Avery Brandy have been key contributors. Newcomers Tom Knoke, a freshman, and Jake Hovden, a senior in his first season, have held the sixth slot.

'They've all been improving and consistent in their scoring,” Gaard said. 'They are on a mission to improve each day they go out to the golf course. They are very hard workers and their work ethic is what I'm impressed with this year.”

MVC SUPER MEET

Cedar Falls captured its fourth Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet team title in the last five years, shooting 340 Monday at The Meadows Golf Club in Asbury. The Tigers topped runner-up Dubuque Hempstead by three strokes.

Iowa City was well-represented. Iowa City West earned sole possession of third, tying for that spot last year, while Iowa City High was sixth.

The Women of Troy fired a 347 with Mackenzie Marsh and Avery Kout, posting an 84 and 86. Marsh was sixth overall and Kout as eighth. Jordan Amelon had 87 and Allye Boardman rounded out the scoring for West.

City High's Sarah Overton continued her strong season and push for her first state tournament berth. She earned runner-up honors with 76. Dubuque Senior's Maddie Hawkins was medalist with 75.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy recorded the top Metro finish, placing fifth. The Cougars shot 374. Kennedy's Sierra Hargens was ninth with 86.

CRW, CRX, CITY HIGH HOST REGIONALS

Area teams in Class 5A won't have to travel far when they start the postseason on May 26. Cedar Rapids Washington and Iowa City High will host regional meets. On the same day, Cedar Rapids Xavier will host a 4A regional meet.

Washington will compete at Gardner Golf Course in a field that includes Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Senior, Linn-Mar, Mason City, Waterloo East and Waterloo West.

Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport West, Iowa City West, Muscatine and Pleasant Valley will play against City High at Pleasant Valley Golf Course in Iowa City.

Xavier welcomes Clear Creek Amana, Davenport Assumption, Davenport North, DeWitt Central, Fairfield, Keokuk, Maquoketa, Mount Pleasant, North Scott, Oskaloosa and Washington, Iowa, to St. Andrews Golf Course.

Marion travels to a regional at Waverly.

Classes 1A, 2A and 3A begin the first of two regional rounds on May 18. North Fayette Valley will host a 3A first-round regional at Pleasant Valley Sports Club in Clermont. Starmont has a 2A regional at Backbone Golf and Country Club in Strawberry Point. Sigourney hosts a 1A meet at Sigourney Golf and Country Club.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com