Kamin earns state runner-up finish

MARSHALLTOWN — M.J. Kamin recalled walking the Cedar Rapids Washington halls during freshman orientation and noticing the pictures of all-state performers.

She immediately decided her photo would be included with that group of achievers. Her only question was how many times and in what sport.

Kamin provided the answer Tuesday, finishing as runner-up medalist at the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union Class 5A state golf meet at Elmwood Country Club. Kamin shot 76 in the second round for a total of 156, finishing five shots back of Ankeny Centennial champion Karli Kerrigan.

It was her third top-12 state performance, placing sixth last season. She will have a picture for each of her state accomplishments displayed alongside the Warriors who motivated her.

'It was definitely something I was striving for,' Kamin said. 'It feels great to leave a legacy at Washington. I hope someday maybe a golfer will come to Washington, see me up there and hope to work their way on that wall.'

Kamin posted one of the best finishes in Washington girls' golf history. The Warriors have only had one state champion — Susan Harman in 1967 and 1969. She may not have believed she would be in this spot when she started at Washington.

'I would have been skeptical about it,' Kamin said. 'I am happy about it. I came in saying I'd be happy with anything in the top five and I'm happy with the place I am in right now, but obviously winning would have been pretty sweet.'

Washington co-head coach Chris James joined the staff when Kamin was a freshman. He has witnessed the hard work and dedication to dissect her game each year, becoming one of the state's best.

'It's good to see it culminate into this,' James said. 'She's gotten better every year. I just think she's a winner. She's never settled.'

Kamin's game fit the narrow and hilly layout, forcing players to be smart and accurate. She learned the course during previous practice rounds and took notes, improving each round. She shot 80 on day one, but putted better Tuesday.

'I made my putts,' Kamin said. 'It's pretty simple.'

One of those putts came on the No. 5 hole. She drained a 25-foot putt for a birdie.

'If it wasn't going in, it was going off the green,' Kamin said. 'That was a good one. I had a couple holes I grinded out pars, which really helped a lot.'

Kamin said she feels a slight sting for coming up short for a state title, but competing at Iowa State next year will help soothe it. James said Kamin carded a good score, getting the most out of the round.

'She should be very proud of herself and what she has accomplished,' James said. 'Not just (Tuesday) but all year.

'She will definitely be missed. Not just her personality and her camaraderie with her teammates. She is a special kid.'

The state meet closed a chapter of a fine high school career, where she excelled in four sports, sharing the school's award as top female senior athlete with Dani Franklin. She also excelled in academics, preparing to major in construction engineering in college. Kamin said graduation hasn't sunk in and she still has soccer competition before she ends her time as a Warrior.

'It's been great, amazing,' Kamin said. 'I wouldn't have it any other way.'

Iowa City West finished fifth in the team race, scoring 729. Linn-Mar was seventh at 754. Waukee won the team title by 43 strokes with 665.

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