CL boys golf team bounces back after setback

Alex Snelling lines up a putt.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

[caption id="attachment_17284" align="alignleft" width="270"] THOMAS STORBECK[/caption]

Clear Lake golf coach Eric Perry is seeing some inconsistency, but steady improvement on his team.  The Lions experienced a setback against North Central Conference teams last week, but bounced back with a strong showing against mid-size Minnesota teams.

Spencer Invitational

The Lions started the week at Spencer, competing against a dozen Iowa teams.  Clear Lake finished fifth with 329.  Webster City won the meet with a 312, followed by Estherville-Lincoln Central with 317 and Bishop Garrigan third with 321.  Harlan edged the Lions with 325.

Thomas Storbeck had the low score for the Lions with a 78, placing him seventh overall.  He was the only Lion to place in the top 10.

“Thomas is starting to get his scores lower.  Last year it took him some time to get lower.  As long as he peaks at the right time, we are on track,” said Coach Perry.

Kyle Calaguas carded an 82, Alex Snelling had 84 and Tate Storbeck and Evan Kruse both had 85s.

“Kyle continues to have a strong short iron game.  He will score lower if his putting gets better,” said the coach.  “Alex played a consistent round.  Alex has the right personality it takes to golf.  He is a calm player.”

Webster City

The NCC was on the line Thursday night, as defending Class 3A state champions and top ranked Webster City, along with St. Ed’s, ranked number six in Class 2A, all faced off at Veteran’s Memorial in Clear Lake.  All teams were undefeated in NCC play.  Webster City emerged unscathed with a score of 148.  Clear Lake was runner-up with 161 and St. Ed’s finished with a 164.

“We didn’t play very well.  It happens, even at home when we feel we have an advantage,” said Coach Perry.

Evan Krause had the low score for the Lions with a 39.  Alex Snelling was one stroke back with a 40.  Kyle Calaguas and Tate Storbeck each had 41s.  Thomas Storbeck came in with a 42 and Jackson Hamlin and a 44.

“Evan Krause stepped up big.  We’ve seen him score well in practice.  Now I hope he cleared the huddle to lead the team during meets,” said Coach Perry.

Junior varsity

The Lion junior varsity also finished as runner-up to Webster City. The Lynx finished with 189, while the Lions had 191 and Gaels 193.

Carter Backhaus was the leader for the Lions with a 44.  Noah Heggen was next with a 48.  Will Cooney had a 49 and Ben Blaha finished with a 50.

Ridges of Sand Creek, Jordan, Minn.

The Lions got some great tournament experience at the Ridges of Sand Creek in Jordan, Minn. Mid-size schools in Minnesota play the state tournament on the course.  This tournament featured best teams with enrollment from 200-900 students grades nine to 12.

Of the 11-team, 66 player tournament, Clear Lake’s Thomas Storbeck was medalist with a (71-78) 149.  Kyle Calaguas finished fifth with a (78-76) 154. As a team, the Lions finished in a tie for second with 636.  Detroit Lakes, Minn. topped the field with a score of 630.

Coach Eric Perry said there were many memorable moments in the tournament, among them was Tate Storbeck’s effort.

“Tate told me he was going to shoot a 33 on the last nine on Saturday after he was 1-under.  I thought he should worry about getting pars.  Would you believe it?  He birdied the last hole for a 34, 2-under par.  Best nine of the tournament.  Nice goal for a freshman.”

Jackson Hamlin also just missed a hole-in-one on the toughest par 3.

Kyle Calaguas finished with a (78-76) 154 for the Lions.

“Kyle was himself— playing smarter and consistent. I am proud of him and his scores this year. He continues to lead this team in scoring,” said Coach Perry.  “Thomas was unbelievable on these huge fast greens.  He went to school and separated himself from the field.  Thomas and Kyle could be in the hunt for a state title at this rate.”