Lions claim runner-up honors at State Meet

Decorah unseats Clear Lake to claim 3A State Golf championship

Top ranked Decorah unseated Clear Lake as Class 3A State Golf champions over the weekend, posting a (308-308) 616.  Clear Lake, which had defeated the Vikings in Regional play, was runner-up with a (323-327) 650.  The State Meet was played Friday and Saturday at Ames Golf and Country Club.

    “To finish as state runner up, with the way our year started and the year our conference started, you could say we accomplished a lot as a team improving,” said Coach Eric Perry.  “At one point in the year we were 18-7 and 2-2 in the North Central Conference.  We finished with a 59-11 record. Only one of our losses came at the hands of state golf teams.  I think winning 59 matches and only losing 11 with the schedule we have was very impressive.  Our conference of 10 teams featured the 1A state champions (Garrigan), Class 3A third place team (Humboldt), and state participant Iowa Falls-Alden, along with Clear Lake.”
    The Lions were led by senior Luke Monson,who finished his outstanding prep career with three birdies on the final four holes to card a (79-76) 155.  The effort placed him seventh overall. 
    “Luke did not hit the ball very good this weekend and struggled quite a bit, however it was his perseverance and ability to score that lead him to the podium and his third consecutive top seven in Class 3A,” said Coach Perry.   “Luke will also be on the Class 3A All-State team and All-Tournament team, both Second Team.  Luke will be very hard to replace for our team and will be missed.  I know Luke will extend his golf career to the college ranks with success.”
    Dane Waldron was in fifth place after day one with a 77, but an 83 on day two gave him a 160. 
    “Dane was the surprise of the tournament,” said Perry.   It was like Dane was in his own little world and handled the pressures of his first State tournament well.  The state tournament is very intimidating for a freshman, and we had three of them.  The crowds are much bigger and you are paired with the best golfers in the state.  Dane played as our number one golfer on Saturday and golfed with two All-Staters in his threesome.  In our coaching staff’s opinion, Dane has one of the best pure swings in the game.  There is nothing but great golf ahead for Dane, as long as he works.”
    Jon Carew carded a (82-87) 169, good for third on the team. 
    “Jon played a very smart round on Friday.  Jon’s biggest enemy during his round is the big numbers on a couple holes.  Jon stayed away from the bad hole and helped put our team in a good position,” said Coach Perry.  “Jon can hit the ball well and has a good swing.  Once we get his mental game better and put the competitive spirit in his stomach, he’ll be there for us in the end.  I look forward to seeing Jon on the course for three more years.”
    The third freshman, Tommy Schick, finished with a (89-81) 170.
    “Tommy didn’t score the way he wanted to on day one, but he came back and shot well the next day to put our team in position - Read More Via e-Edition