KALONA

Not having to travel, the Mid-Prairie boys welcomed eight teams to their home course in Kalona to compete in their annual 18-hole Golden Hawk Invitational on April 9. 

Once the dust settled it was Mount Vernon who claimed the top spot with a first-place score of 337. 

The hosting Golden Hawks finished just one spot below Mount Vernon, earning a runner-up placement with a score of 344. 

“We were in 3rd place after nine holes and gained a spot with a strong back nine to finish 2nd as a team with a 344,” coach Kelby Bender said. “I am very proud of how we played today.  It was a great first 18-hole meet for us.”

Mid-Prairie was led by senior Drew Schlabaugh who carded an 82 to claim fourth place. Schlabaugh shot 41’s on the front nine and the back nine to arrive at his final score. His day ended with nine made pars and a one birdie. 

Also placing in the top ten for the Golden Hawks was freshman Grayson Gingerich. Gingerich finished with 84 to place 7th. He made six pars and one birdie.

Freshman Denver Nelson and sophomore Bryce Henry placed 14th and 16th respectively. Nelson shot an 88, making three pars and two birdies. Henry finished with a score of 90, sinking three pars and one birdie.

“Both Denver Nelson and Bryce Henry found a little trouble on the front 9 and didn’t score what they wanted to,” coach Bender said. “They didn’t let it bother them and bounced back and played well on the back 9.”

Sophomore Clayton Davidson and junior Ace Peck both sank in a birdie on route to their scores of 95 and 96 respectively. Everyone on the Mid-Prairie team ended the Invitational with at least one birdie made.

“They kept working to get everything out of the round they could,” coach Bender said about his team. “Four of the six scored the same or better on the back 9 and the team shot 8 strokes better.  It was great to see all 6 at 96 or lower and they all made a birdie today.”