For the second year in a row, the Gehlen Catholic boys golf team will compete at the state meet after finishing second in their home district meet Monday. The Jays shot a 315 to finish second at Willow Creek Golf Course.
Last year’s experience at state seemed to propel the Jays to a strong season this year. Head coach Nathan Carlson says the Jays showed some toughness all season to set a goal of returning to state and getting the job done of qualifying again.
The obvious benefit to the Jays was getting to play the district meet on their home course. It is a luxury that few schools in the state get to enjoy, and the Jays do not take that for granted the last two years. Coach Carlson says the guys have put in the time on this course and are well-versed in every inch of what could go wrong on a given hole.
Dawson Barthole led the Jays individually shooting a 75. After going out on the front nine five strokes over par, Barthole came in on the back nine staying one stroke under par. Coach Carlson says that performance shows everyone why he is the leader that everyone can rely on.
After last year’s eighth-place finish, the Jays will not be content going back to state and finishing like that again. Coach Carlson says he expects that familiarity will leave the guys much more relaxed and able to play a better brand of golf than last season.
The Jays will compete in Ames on Monday and Tuesday, May 20 and 21 at the State Meet held at Ames Golf and County Club.
