The St. Edmond boys golf team took advantage of perfect conditions and home-course knowledge to secure a spot in a Class 1A district meet.

After finishing in a tie with Newell-Fonda, the Gaels advanced as a Class 1A sectional runner-up on Thursday, joining the Mustangs and Bishop Garrigan in the next round.

Districts take place Monday in Le Mars at Willow Creek Golf Course beginning at 10 a.m., with the qualifiers from three other sectionals.

Leading the way for St. Edmond was Ty Mericle, as the sophomore shot a 77 to place second overall. Teammate Jack McElroy followed with a 79 to take third.

“It’s exciting to see us put together a great round,” SEHS head coach Matt Dillon said. “We’ve been working toward this part of the season, so seeing it come together gives us a lot of confidence going into next week.”

Drew Henderson of North Union was medalist after a sparkling round of four-under par 68 at Lakeside Golf Course. He also advances as an individual qualifier for districts.

Both Newell-Fonda and St. Edmond shot team scores of 333. Bishop Garrigan carded a 335.

The other squads advancing to the Gaels’ 1A district include Boyden-Hull, Harris-Lake Park, GTRA, Coon Rapids-Bayard, West Monona and Audubon.

Carson Bargfrede added an 88 for St. Edmond, with Max Nguyen and Kinnick Henning both turning in rounds of 89. Landon Saathoff finished with a 92.

McElroy had a 38 on the back nine and Mericle shot a 38 on the front to go along with a 39 on the back.

“Ty and Jack played well,” Dillon said. “Carson, Max, Kinnick and Landon each had solid rounds, too. We still think we can improve on this score. We know it’s going to take a great number to advance to state.

“Top to bottom, it was probably one of the best days we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

St. Edmond placed third last year at sectionals after reaching the district round in 2023.

For Newell-Fonda, Guyson Lyman carded an 82 to place sixth, Jacksyn Hogrefe an 83, Landen Kruse and Carter Emerick had 84s, and Ian Harrer and Kellen Meyer 86s.

Bishop Garrigan’s low round came courtesy of Carter Schwab, as he had an 81 for fifth overall. Sam Greteman was right behind with an 82. Golden Bears Isaac DeLange and Nick Thul shot 86s.

Teague Alesch finished with a 92 and Drew Muller a 95.

The 1A state meet is May 27-28 in Waterloo from South Hills Golf Course. The Top-3 team finishers at each district, along with the Top-2 individual players among the non-qualifying schools, advance to state.