MANCHESTER — The Varsity Spartans claimed the WaMaC East golf championship, their fourth in a row, Monday, April 29 at the Pin Oak Pub & Links in Manchester. Solon totaled 304 followed by host West Delaware (316), Marion (323), Independence (329), Center Point-Urbana (350), and Mount Vernon (355).
Isaiah Zoske medaled with 68 (three under), Jack McCarty was runner up at 75 (four over). “I am extremely happy for Isaiah but not at all surprised,” said Coach Adam Stahle. “He has been playing very well this spring which is a testament to all the hard work he puts in year round and is incredibly talented.” Gehrig Turner carded 80, Brennan Heesch shot 81, Nick Stahle put up 93, and Jack Irwin had 99.
“This year was different because it was an 18-hole tournament where the prior three years were just nine-hole tournaments,” said Stahle. Next up for the Spartans was the WaMaC super-meet (Monday, May 6 after this edition’s deadline) with all 12 teams at the Wildcat Golf Course in Shellsburg. Looking ahead, Stahle said, “The competition will be extremely difficult (like every year) as the WaMaC is one of the best in the state. We then turn right around and on Wednesday (May 8) head back up to Pin Oak in Manchester for the first round of the post-season.” Anamosa, Center Point-Urbana, Decorah, Maquoketa, Marion, Waukon, and host West Delaware will join Solon in the Class 3A Sectional.
Qualifying teams and individuals from the May 8 sectional advance to a 3A District Meet Monday, May 13 at the Waverly Municipal Golf Course starting at 10:00 a.m. to battle for a spot in the State Tournament Monday and Tuesday, May 20 and 21, at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames.
Tickets for the State Tournament are $10 per person per day and must be purchased online through the IHSAA Tickets page at www.iahsaa.org/tickets/.
Looking at the postseason competition, Stahle said, “We will need to keep improving each day at practice so we can perform our best. I am confident the kids will do that and just really looking forward to enjoying the last few weeks of the season with this team.”