KALONA

With the regular season in the rear view mirror the postseason road was open for business last week and the Kalona Golf Course was one of many sites selected to host a Sectional meet.

Getting to play on their home course, the Mid-Prairie boys golf team welcomed seven teams to vie for two highly coveted qualifying spots to advance to Districts on May 7.

Ending the meet placing 4th with 347 the Golden Hawks saw their season come to an end with an overall record of 33-18.

Taking first place was West Liberty with 328 and the runner-up was West Branch with 336. Qualifying to districts individually was Iowa City Regina’s Noah Clark and Tipton’s Brody Marchik with scores of 77 and 78 respectively.

“It is always tough to see the season come to an end and say goodbye to our seniors,” Mid-Prairie coach Kelby Bender said. “I am really proud of this team and how well they competed.  We had a chance in every meet to finish at the top.” 

 Putting the finishing touches on a stellar senior season, Drew Schlabaugh led the Golden Hawks with a 6th place finish, shooting a 40 on the front nine and a 41 on the back nine.

“Schlabaugh played well as he finished his career with a 6th place finish. He made seven pars and birdied holes seven and 16 on his way to an 81. He just missed qualifying as an individual by three shots,” coach Bender said.

“I am proud of Drew and how well he played this year.  Drew had finishes of 3rd, 3rd, 4th and 6th in 18-hole tournaments with a pair of six over par 78's this season. Drew was our steady leader and will be missed as he graduates and moves on.”

Going from senior talent to sophomore talent, Clayton Davidson was the next highest placing Hawk at sectionals, placing 11th. After shooting a 47 on the front nine, Davidson gave his best nine-hole performance of the season on the back nine with a 38.

“Davidson bounced back after a tough front nine to finish with an 85. His back nine, two over par 38, was his low nine-hole score of the season.  He birdied holes 16 and 18 and made seven pars on the day,” coach Bender said.  

“Really proud of Clayton today.  He did not play as well on the front as he wanted.  He did not let it get him down and played really well to finish.”

Coming in with the next lowest score cards were Grayson Gingerich, placing 20th with 89, and Bryce Henry, shooting a 92 to place 26th.

 Rounding out the six-team score was Denver Nelson, carding a 92 to place 28th, and Ace Peck, finishing with 97 to place 39th.

The sun sets on another spring golf season for the Golden Hawk but with a lot of their talented core slated to return next year it is easy to say the best is yet to come for Mid-Prairie boys golf.

“All six of the varsity golfers earned a medal this year as either a meet medalist, runner-up medalist or an all-tournament team,” coach Bender said. 

“With two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior returning from the lineup, I am excited about the potential next year. I know they are hungry and will work hard to get better.”