CLHS boys golf team to return to Class 3A State Golf Meet

 The Clear Lake boys will be returning to the Class 3A State Golf Meet this week. The Lions edged Decorah and finished as District runner-up Friday in Waverly. For the second time in three meetings Clear Lake got the best of Decorah, which finished third.

 West Delaware captured the District title with a 299. Clear Lake was on their heels at 300, while Decorah was left out with 301.
The Lions were led by Dane Waldron and Jon Carew, who each carded 74s. Austin Rurup was next with 75 and Kyle Calaguas had a 77.
“I am very proud of our guys for the way they have finished the season.  It was a very tight and nerve racking finish,” said Coach Bart Smith. “We knew we had a good score, but weren’t quite confident enough to think we made it.  Hearing some scores come in from Decorah and West Delaware we new we were in for a tight finish.”
The coach credited the team’s juniors from last year’s State qualifying team for leading the way.
“They really showed their leadership by being consistent in their preparation and shooting low for us,” said Coach Smith. “Dane Waldron started his first five holes four under, which gave him some confidence to start.  I know he wanted to finish lower, but his start was big for us.  Jon Carew had a birdie with two holes to go and that could have been one of the many shots we look back on this day and say ‘that was the winning shot.’  Rurup was steady again and he is playing really good golf right now.”
The State Meet will be played at the Ames Golf and Country Club starting at noon Friday, May 30. The Lions will be looking to bring home their fifth title since 2004. This is the 13th time in the last 14 years Clear Lake has qualified for the State Meet.
“It should be a very competitive state meet,” added Smith. “The number one and two (teams) all year will not be there, so anyone has a chance.  We are excited to get there again and it’s never easy.  This guys have really impressed us down the stretch.”