Photo Courtesy of Mid-Prairie Boys Golf Social Media
The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk boys golf team finished their 2024 campaign Tuesday in Kalona at the Class 2A Sectional tournament. The Golden Hawks finished fourth of eight teams with their score of 347. West Liberty advanced to districts with a 328 score and a sectional championship. West Branch also moves on in second with a team score of 336.
The Golden Hawks were led by Drew Schlabaugh’s round of 81, to finish sixth overall. Cael Daufeldt of West Liberty won the sectional championship with a round of 75. Advancing to districts as individuals were Noah Clark of Iowa City Regina with a 77 and Brody Marchik of Tipton with a 78. Other Mid-Prairie scores included Clayton Davidson 85, Grayson Gingerich 89, Denver Nelson and Bryce Henry with 92s and Ace Peck with a 97. After the meet, Golden Hawk head coach Kelby Bender talked about the day, his team’s work this year and Golden Hawk senior Drew Schlabaugh.
Bender said, “They all had some good moments. Drew (Schlabaugh) was pretty steady, 40 and 41 for an 81, just mising out on qualifying as an individual. The other guys are pretty young. This was a new experience for them today. It’s about getting consistency for them. Seems like most of them had a good nine and then the other nine struggled a little bit. The 347 score is right around our team average this year. Drew (Schlabaugh) is the kind of kid that doesn’t get too high or too low. He grinds it out. He played well enough. He was right in the mix. It’s always tough when your seniors don’t move on, but I’m proud of the way he played. He finished strong. The front nine was really good for us. Grayson (Gingerich) had a 43, Denver (Nelson) with a 41 and Ace Peck with a 44. Bryce Henry was steady. Clayton Davidson had a front nine 47, starts the back with birdies on two of the first three holes and puts together a back nine 38.”
The Hawks finish the season with a 33-18 record and were ranked in the top 20 this season by the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association.