The 2023 campaign drew to a close Tuesday in Kalona for the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk boys golf team as they hosted a Class 2A sectional tournament. The top two teams in each sectional, along with the top two individuals and ties not on those teams advanced to districts. The Golden Hawks were fifth of eight schools with a 352, three shots better than their season average, despite being without number one golfer Drew Schlabaugh due to illness. Sectional champion Tipton with their 333 and runner-up West Liberty at 334 advanced to districts as a group. Mid-Prairie was led individually by Warren Scarff with an 85. The senior shot a personal best Tuesday, but missed the district cut by two shots. Advancing as individuals were medalist Will Bridges from West Branch with a 76 and fourth place finishers Grant Hilton, Jonathan Ford and Jacob Grier from Mediapolis with 83s. Other Mid-Prairie scores included Aiden Bush 86, Bryce Henry 87, Clayton Davidson 94, Ben Mattes 98 and Alex Bean 99. After the meet, head coach Kelby Bender talked about the day, his leading scorer Scarff and his seniors. Bender said, “We were the fifth seed going in by team average, and that’s right where we fell. We were a little bit shorthanded, but our boys stepped up. I was really pleased with the way they played. Overall, I’m proud of everybody’s effort today. (Warren Scarff) played really well on the front nine. Shot a 40. He got on a little bogey train to start the back, finished with a 45 for an 85, a personal best. Really proud of the way he finished his senior season. A PR in the sectional meet to give himself a chance. We had six seniors this year, three who had not been out before, it was fun to watch them progress. Ben Mattes has played the last couple of years and even though he was beaten out for the six spot on varsity was still a great teammate and always ready to go. Aiden Bush dealt with an injury during his career. I’m glad he was healthy this year. He put together some great rounds. Warren Scarff played all three years and even though he was thrown into the fire as a one or two, he handled it well. It was awesome to see how he finished out today.”

The Hawks say goodbye to seven seniors including Bean, Bush, Shawn Dodds, Landon Fox, Mattes, Scarff and Mose Yoder. They end the season with a 23-19 overall record.