The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn boys golfers finished eighth as the War Eagle Conference Tournament was held May 9 at The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center. It took the Hawks’ top four scorers a total of 401 strokes to negotiate the 18 hole layout. Akron-Westfield won the tournament with a 351. The Westerners were also victorious in the duals portion of the conference season.
“The wind was a big factor,” noted HMS coach Mark Japenga. “However, the kids did a nice job of staying focused and battling through some of the issues. Definitely made us better for Wednesday for Sectionals. We want to be playing our best golf Wednesday.”
Nick Bronstad recorded the low round for the Hawks with a 91 and finished 16th overall. Spencer McCarter shot 96, Jack Mastbergen 105, Lucas Kroese 109, Keith DeBoer 112 and Wyatt Borden 131.
With the points earned at the Conference Tournament by the top individual golfers, the All-Conference golfers were identified. Players gained points at each conference meet and the top 24 scorers at the Tourney earned those additional points. The cumulative points determine individual All-Conference places with the top 10 making 1st Team and the second 10 making 2nd Team. Bronstad finished 19th in points and so earns 2nd Team honors.
Team scores
Akron-Westfield 351, Unity Christian 363, Remsen St. Mary’s 370, Hinton 373, Gehlen Catholic 376, South O’Brien 385, MMCRU 386, HMS 401, Harris-Lake Park 417, West Sioux 428, Trinity Christian 451.
HMS scores
Nick Bronstad 45-46–91, Spencer McCarter 45-51–96, Jack Mastbergen 49-56–105, Lucas Kroese 56-53–109, Keith DeBoer 53-59–112, Wyatt Borden 70-61–131.
The Tourney provided the opportunity for the Hawks to make up two conference meets. Using scores from the first nine holes, HMS lost to Gehlen Catholic 176-192 and to Hinton by the same 176-192 margin.
Team scores: Gehlen Catholic 176, HMS 192.
Medalists: 1st, Dawson Barthole (GC), 41; 2nd, Elias Sitzmann (GC), 44; 3rd, Landon Reuter (GC), 45; 4th, Nick Bronstad (HMS), 45.
Team scores: Hinton 176, HMS 192.
Medalists: 1st, Brody Spies (Hinton), 42; 2nd, Garrett Morran (Hinton), 42; 3rd, Beau Cook (Hinton), 45; 4th, Nick Bronstad (HMS), 45.
HMS varsity scores: Nick Bronstad 45, Spencer McCarter 45, Jack Mastbergen 49, Keith DeBoer 53, Lucas Kroese 56, Wyatt Borden 70.