Decorah tries for title repeat

Sequels regularly fall short of the originals that precede them.Decorah boys' golf team would prefer a Godfather 2 performance to a Weekend at Bernie's 2 showing.The Vikings will attempt to repeat as state champions at Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A state golf meet at Ames Golf and Country Club. The two round tournament begins Friday at noon with the second round set for Saturday at 8 a.m.Decorah didn't even get back home and have the new trophy stored in the trophy case last season before thinking about acquiring the next one."That was our goal,' Decorah senior Peter Kephart said. "Right after we won the state title, we said we were coming back to win another state title. We knew we had a strong team. We set the bar high."The latest version may not have the firepower of last year that had all six place in the top 18 at state. The golfers dedicated themselves in the offseason. The effort produced another district team title and a 29-1 through mid-May, while challenging last year's nine-hole team average."We knew we had to work hard if we wanted to try to be last year's team," senior Michael Peter said. "This year, we have four seniors and I think we have picked up where last year left off. We don't have as low of numbers, but we have a lot of wins."The burden of being the defending champs hasn't affect the Vikings. They don't feel the stress to maintain their position atop 3A."I don't think there is added pressure," Kephart said. "We have some new guys that have a lot of experience. I think we'll be good to go."Spirit Lake, Creston-OM, Clear Lake, Grinnell and Williamsburg, which is making its fourth straight state appearance, will make a run for top team honors. Decorah Coach Rich Gaard said conversations have been about playing their best and not specifically about a chance to repeat. No need to talk the talk when they have already walked the walk."They got a taste of what it's like to win the tournament," Gaard said. "I think that's a good motivator for them."Graduation stole three of the Vikings' top golfers - state runner-up Nick Nelson, Maynard Newhouse and Sam Lewey - and left them with giant spikes to fill after an impressive 34-stroke win at 2012 state. Decorah has been strong in a season that had weather limit the Vikings' time outdoors early. They are No. 1 in 3A of the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association adjusted team rankings. Peter, who placed ninth at state a year ago, is 11th and Bryce Pierce is 15th, individually. Kephart is 23rd.Seniors Tyler Hovey and Eric Fulsaas and Sam Sacquitne have solidified a balanced lineup."Our team has had different people that have been medalist for us this year," said Gaard, noting Hovey and Fulsaas were good enough to start for most other teams last year. "It is satisfying to see we haven't had to lean on one golfer. If one faltered, someone else would pick up the pace to be medalist or low scorer."The Vikings receive a boost in a way that isn't available to most other teams. They have had championship success on this course. Decorah was third at state two years ago in Ames before claiming the 2012 crown. The seniors haven't finished any lower than third in their prep careers."We've played on that course many times," said Peter, adding that any team that plays well is capable of winning. "Just knowing how to manage our way around Ames will be an advantage."I think we all know what scores it's going to take to repeat for a state title. If we can get three scores in the 70's, maybe four, that could put us close to or at the top."The Raiders return, claiming their first district title last week. They were seventh at state in 2012, placing fourth in 2011. Maquoketa's Ty Thede, Independence's Kurtis Christensen and West Delaware's Brock Morris have all qualified for the 3A field as individuals.In 2A at Spring Valley Golf Course in Livermore, Mount Vernon will compete for a team championship. Andy DeCamp, Lucas Hansen, Connor Herrmann and Lukas Lengwin scored for the Mustangs, who won a district title. South Winneshiek's Trevor Schweinefus qualified as an individual.The 1A state meet will be held at Lake Panorama National Resort in Panora.