Hawks boys finish strong in state qualifier

WAPELLO — The top three in the team standings at Tuesday’s Class 2A boys district golf meet kept swapping places in the final couple of hours of the event.
When the final scores of the day were posted, applause erupted from the Central Lee team gathered in the Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club clubhouse.
The Hawks were the last team on top.
Central Lee won the team title to advance to next week’s state tournament at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo.
The Hawks finished with a 322 team score, three strokes better than Iowa City Regina and Southeast Iowa Super Conference rival Mediapolis, who also advanced.
“That was a lot of fun seeing our name in first place,” said Carson Morrison, who shot a 76 to win medalist honors. “Everyone played well today. This was our goal.”
“It’s always going to be close,” coach Mike Ungerer said. “We never were lower than third place all day. The key is always to close strong, and that’s what we were able to do.”
It was different than last season, with the Hawks were able to qualify for state after tying for third place in the district meet. This time, they have a title to take with them to the state tournament, which starts next Tuesday.
“I was really excited,” said Caleb Larson, who took runner-up honors with a 77. “Last year, it was a three-way tie to go (to state). Coming here today, seeing us win and put on a good show, it’s a great feeling.”
The Hawks finished second in last Wednesday’s sectional tournament at Tipton, and this win just adds to the momentum.
“We weren’t happy with how we played (at the Southeast Iowa Super Conference Tournament two weeks ago, when the Hawks finished third), but since then we’ve played better,” Morrison said.

“I think we can take a lot out of this,” Ungerer said. “Now we can carry it forward. We got to state, we accomplished that. Now our goal is to get into that top four (at state).
Kaden Swan had an 80 and Mylan Lowenberg had an 89 to make up the rest of the Hawks’ team total. Carter Jones had a 90 and Hayden Welch had a 91 to complete Central Lee’s day.
“Our whole thing all year has been our balance,” Ungerer said. “Today we had a little struggle with our fourth score, but when you can have the first two in the (individual) standings, it really helps you out.”
Morrison’s best hole of the day was his last one, and it gave him the individual title. He birdied the par-5 465-yard No. 1 hole, his lone birdie of the afternoon.
“I made some putts when I had to,” he said.
Larson’s day was almost as good. He had seven bogeys and two birdies.
“Just getting the ball in the fairway, that was the big thing,” Larson said. “I’ve been struggling getting the ball in the fairway, but today I was able to do it. My last few rounds haven’t been very good. Today, to come out here in these kind of conditions and play the way I did, I was very happy.”
The tournament was delayed a day because of rain and the forecast for possible severe weather on Monday. More rain fell overnight, and a windy day just added to the conditions.
“I know it allowed me to be a little more aggressive, with the fairways and greens wet,” Larson said.
Now the Hawks get their opportunity to go back to the state tournament.
“I think it helps having been there before,” Ungerer said. “It helps with the nerves a little bit, because we know what to expect. I know we’re going there with a good feeling.”