Prep golf: 2014 golfers and teams to watch

GOLFERS TO WATCH

Girls

Maddie Bertsch, C.R. Xavier, sr., Placed seventh at Class 4A state tournament, first-team all-MVC Valley Division, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

Kate Coyle, Cascade, sr., Class 3A state runner-up, all-Tri-Rivers Conference performer, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

M.J. Kamin, C.R. Washington, sr., Two-time state placewinner, finishing sixth at 2013 Class 5A state meet, first-team All-MVC Valley Division, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

Blair Klostermann, Dyersville Beckman, jr., Placed fourth at Class 3A state tournament, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association second-team all-state selection

Brooke Klostermann, Dyersville, Beckman, jr., Placed eighth at Class 3A state tournament, Wamac East Division runner-up, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

Gabi Scarpa, Clear Creek Amana, sr., Tied for 13th at Class 4A state tournament, Wamac West Division runner-up

Paige Van Dyk, South Tama, sr., 2013 Class 3A state champion, placing fourth in 2012, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

Grace Winker, C.R. Xavier, sr., Tied for 10th at Class 4A state tournament, first-team all-MVC Valley Division, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association first-team all-state selection

Boys

Zach Buch, Williamsburg, jr., Two-time state meet golfer, finishing in the top-25 of 2013 Class 3A state tournament

Andy DeCamp, Mount Vernon, jr., Tied for 11th at 2013 Class 2A state meet, posted 40.26 nine-hole stroke average last year

Connor Herrmann, Mount Vernon, so., Tied for 13th at 2014 Class 2A state meet, averaged a little more than 39 strokes per nine holes last year, first-team all-Wamac

Clayton Larsen, West Delaware, so., First-team all-Wamac, finishing runner-up at Wamac Super Meet last year, sectional runner-up

Bryce Pierce, Decorah, sr., Finished in top-25 of Class 3A state meet last year, tying for 12th in 2012, district medalist, NEIC and sectional runner-up, Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association second-team all-state selection

Sam Sacquitne, Decorah, so., Tied for 12th at 2013 Class 3A state tournament, NEIC medalist

Trevor Schweinefus, South Winn, sr., Tied for 17th at 2014 Class 2A state meet, sectional runner-up, all-Upper Iowa Conference performer 

TEAMS TO WATCH

Girls

C.R. Xavier – The Saints were very successful last season, posting an overall 75-5 mark that included a Class 4A state runner-up team finish. They claimed the CRANDIC team title and were conference and division runners-up behind Cedar Falls. Xavier returns top-two golfers Maddie Bertsch and Grace Winker. Kara Zwanziger has been a regular scorer the last couple years and Amy Olberding provides four all-conference golfers from last year. They need a fifth and sixth starter to emerge.

Cascade – The Cougars are looking for a milestone accomplishment this season. A fifth straight state tournament appearance is in their sights. State runner-up Kate Coyle will lead the way for a strong core of five returning starters. Cascade will have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of Aspen Lynch, but will count on Molly Seitz, Annie Merritt, Becca Annis and Natalie Frasher to support Coyle. Constant improvement during the season will be key.

Dyersville Beckman – The Blazers have a strong tradition and it is no surprise they are mentioned by many Wamac coaches as one of the top teams again this season. At least five with state meet experience return from Beckman's Class 3A state runner-up team. Sister Act, Blair and Brooke Klostermann, provide a strong 1-2 punch for the Blazers, who won the 2012 2A title and finished fourth in 2011.

Western Dubuque – The Bobcats will look to defend its Wamac title, returning five starters from last season. They all have state experience, getting fifth at the 4A state meet. Four of them earned all-conference honors, including first-team all-Wamac and second-team all-state pick Quinn Herbst and second-team all-Wamac golfers, Rachel Hoeger and Celyna Koopmann. Catherine McCoy provides a fourth solid scorer.

Boys

Decorah – The Vikings have finished third or better at the state tournament since 2010, placing second last year after a state title in 2012. They have been able to reload each season and have a good core of golfers to build around, including all-state senior Bryce Pierce and sophomore Sam Sacquitne, who tied for 12th at state last season. Matt Schissel was an all-NEIC performer last year as well. They have strong numbers and promising newcomers who can step in to the lineup.

Mount Vernon – The Mustangs were a pleasant surprise last season, placing fourth at the Class 2A state tournament. Andy DeCamp and Connor Herrmann, a junior and sophomore this season, both finished in the top-15 individually. Sophomores Tommy Hook and Jacob Hansen give Mustangs four scorers from a year ago. Mount Vernon has benefitted from all-around athletes contributing to golf success. Depth is a strength.

West Delaware – It isn't often a team can lose its best golfer to graduation and not lose ground. The Hawks are coming off a Wamac Conference title season and have talent coming back. Clayton Larsen had a strong freshman season, earning all-conference honors with a runner-up finish at the conference Super Meet. Bryce and Carter Frick should also play roles for the Hawks, who will face tough competition in a highly-competitive Wamac.

Williamsburg – The Raiders usher in a new era, which is the first season after all-staters Drew Slings and Corbin Blythe. Williamsburg has reached the state tournament each of the last four years. Juniors Zach Buch and Jackson Subbert made strong contributions in last year's postseason, leading the Raiders at the sectional meet, scoring at district. Senior Alex Phillips and junior Dillon VanEtten return with state experience as well.