Hawks start with win at Nike Invite

BURLINGTON – The Central Lee Hawks kicked off the 2026 spring golf season where they left off last year taking the title at the Nike Invitational held at Flint Hills in Burlington.
The Hawks made it to the team competition at the Class 2A IHSAA State Golf Meet in 2025 and are hoping to repeat after losing just one senior from the squad.
Caleb Larson earned medalist honors Tuesday with a 74, shooting a 3-over 39 on the front nine and dialed it in for an even par 35 on the back, the best in or out on the day.
Van Buren County’s Leo Jirak was runner-up medalist with a 76.
The Hawks had three players shoot under 80 with Kaden Swan shooting a 78 and Carson Morrison with a 79 to help lead the boys to a 311, 11 strokes ahead of Mt. Pleasant and 12 in front of Winfield-Mt. Union. Host West Burlington-Burlington Notre Dame carded a team at 331.
Carver Hayes’ 80 rounded out the the Hawks 311 score. Mylan Lowenberg shot an 81 and Carter Jones shot an 83 for Central Lee.

Fort Madison boys open with tie at Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG – The Fort Madison Bloodhounds opened the year with a strong defensive effort at Williamsburg.
The Hounds battled the Raiders to a 0-0 tie with Keelynd Ross earning the shut-out in the keep with two saves. The two teams battled to a 2-2 tie last year in an early season matchup at Baxter Sports Complex.
The Raiders finished the 2025 season as the No. 6 ranked team in Class 2A after making it to the 2A state semifinals before being bounced by Bishop Heelan. Fort Madison finished the 2025 season one game over .500 at 8-7-1.
Fort Madison opens Southeast Conference play on Thursday, April 9 at Washington.

Keokuk boys open with loss to Danville
KEOKUK - Sophomore Eli Boltz had a goal and two shots on goal for the Chiefs, but it wasn't enough to avoid the season opening loss to Danville 3-1 Monday at Keokuk.
Boltz had the only shot on goal for Keokuk, but Zach Nemechek, Ethan Frazier, and Elliott Fountain each took a shot, while sophomore Mason Baker had three shots in the loss.
Freshman Ean Schulte had eight saves despite surrendering three goals in the loss.