WATERLOO — Cade Birdsell positioned himself nicely here Tuesday at the opening round of the Class 3A boys state golf tournament.

Birdsell, a junior from Humboldt, carded a round of 2-over 74 and sits in a tie for sixth from Gates Park Golf Course.

Nevada’s Patrick Rodgers, the defending state champion, is atop the leaderboard after his 3-under day. Jaizik Miller of Spirit Lake posted a 1-under and Jamin Colvin of Ballard is at even-par.

Birdsell had three birdies during a four-hole stretch on the back, shooting a 2-under 34 for that nine. He also had a birdie on the front.

At the 2A meet from South Hills Golf Course, South Central Calhoun’s Charlie Nattress is tied for 53rd. The senior had an 84, recording a pair of birdies.

Drew Henderson of North Union is tied for third at the 1A meet, as the senior carded a 72 with three birdies. Cody Weaver of East Marshall leads the field at 3-under with defending champion Keith Thompson of Hamburg second at 1-under.

Final round action takes place on Wednesday.