St. Edmond boys punch state golf ticket
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The St. Edmond boys golf team is headed back to the state tournament after claiming a Class 1A district crown here Friday at Lakeside Golf Course.
The Gaels shot a 337 team score to finish first with Mason City Newman (344) and Newell-Fonda (347) set to join them Thursday in Newton at Westwood Golf Course.
Drew Schaeffer fired a 79 with Peyton Scott (83), Caleb Schaeffer (87) and Riley Travis (88) rounding out the scoring. Devon Wirtz (98) and Ben Anderson (101) completed the lineup for SEHS head coach Matt Dillon, who previously led West Des Moines Dowling to state titles in football.
"I thought we really played well considering the conditions," said Dillon, who is also the Gael football head coach. "It was rainy and windy to begin with, but dried up over the last few holes. I thought we settled down after that and really had a great round.
"We knew it was going to take a low score and honestly, I didn't feel comfortable until everything had been posted."
A senior, Drew Schaeffer had an opening nine 40 that he followed up with a 39 for the low nine of the day from St. Edmond. Scott went 42-41, Caleb Schaeffer 44-43 and Travis 42-46.
"Getting to state means the absolute world to me," Drew Schaeffer said. "We have practiced so much over the past few weeks, and to have it all come together on the same day is awesome. We have a lot of room for improvement, but state was our goal and we achieved that."
Scott, also a senior, added "this meant a lot to me because it could have been my last high school golf meet.
"The team pulled through in the end and now we get to compete at state."
Caleb Schaeffer, Drew's brother, acknowledged how important it was qualifying for the senior group, which also includes Wirtz and Anderson.
"They have been great teammates," he said, "and have helped this team out a lot. It was a great win for us and one I won't forget."
Newell-Fonda's Hogan Henrich was meet medalist, firing a 74 with matching 37s. Izak Baron had an 88, Mason Dicks a 90 and Hunter Christiansen a 95.
"We didn't have our best stuff and that happens sometimes in golf," N-F head coach Nathan Baron said. "I knew coming in St. Edmond would be tough to beat on their home course and they were. They played outstanding. I liked our chances to be in the Top-3 going in; we just had to prove that we were.
"I'm really excited and happy for our kids. They have played well all year long. We're pleased to be able to continue our season at state."
Rounding out the scoring for the Mustangs was Jake DeMey (96) and Jaron Vanderhoff (100).
Bishop Garrigan had a team score of 373 led by Kyle Schaaf's 80 while West Bend-Mallard carded a 389 with Kody Elbert firing a 90.
The other qualifying 1A teams include North Tama, North Cedar, Council Bluffs St. Albert, Fremont-Mills, East Buchanan and AGWSR.