Photo Courtesy of Mid-Prairie Boys Golf Social Media
The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk boys golf team returns home Thursday for a River Valley Conference dual with the Wilton Beavers. The Hawks were last in action Tuesday at the 18-hole Comet Invitational at West Liberty where they finished third in the 10 team field with a score of 344, led by Drew Schlabaugh’s 78 to finish third overall, which included a one-under 35 on the front nine. Other scores on the day included Clayton Davidson and Grayson Gingerich with 88s, Bryce Henry at 90, 92 for Ace Peck and 104 for Denver Nelson. On the season, the Hawks have a team average of 172 per nine with a 166 low and a 344 average per 18 with a 343 low. Individual leaders include Davidson with a 40 average per nine, followed by Henry and Schlabaugh at 44. For 18 it’s Schlabaugh on top at 79, followed by Gingerich at 87. Golden Hawk head coach Kelby Bender joined the KCII PM Sports Page this week to talk about the West Liberty tournament and what he likes from his guy’s recent play.
Bender said, “We were thinking a top five team finish would probably be a pretty good day. So we were happy in third place, just one shot back of second. We had some guys step up and play really well. Drew (Schlabaugh), a senior. He’s been our leader all year. He’s steady. He’s playing really well right now. Front nine, made seven pars, made a bogey, but had a chip-in eagle, the highlight of his day. He also birdied the 17th hole. Clayton (Davidson) stayed really steady. He’s not making big numbers. An 88 for him was good to see. Grayson Gingerich keeps working hard. He’s a competitor, to see him get to an 88 with those tough conditions was nice. Good to see Bryce (Henry) fire a low number on the front nine. Ace (Peck) is steadily improving and Denver Nelson is a freshman who has playing really well for us.”
The Wilton Beavers also played at West Liberty Thursday where they finished ninth with a team score of 385, led by Mason Tyler’s 92 in 23rd place overall. This season, the Beavers have a nine hole team average of 279 with a 185 low and a 383 18-hole average and low. Individual leaders include, Karson Trede with a nine hole average of 49 and Gunner Gavin at 50. For 18 it’s Tyler at 92 and Ben Garvin at 95. The Hawks beat the Beavers head-to-head last year 178-206, led by Schlabaugh and Davidson’s rounds of 43. Action starts at 4p.m. and continues into the evening at the Kalona Golf Course.