Lions claim runner-up at NCC golf meet

Webster City edged Clear Lake to capture the North Central Conference Tournament title.  NCC teams battled Monday, May 8, at Claremont Golf Club in Clarion.  The Lynx came in with a 309, followed by Clear Lake with 312.  The rest of the field was well off the pace.  Humboldt was third with 345, followed by St. Edmond, 346; Clarion-Goldfield, 363; Iowa Falls-Alden, 371; Algona, 375; and Hampton-Dumont, 438.

“I thought we had a good score, just not good enough,” said Coach Eric Perry.  “We had too many double bogies.  If we could hit more fairways off the tee, we will be better off.  Therefore, we’ll need to practice that part of our game better.

We focused on chipping and putting this week, and it paid off.”

Thomas Storbeck was the top finisher for the Lions.  The senior carded a 73 to finish as runner-up.

“Thomas got in his groove the back nine, with mostly pars. His first nine he had four birdies, but threw a couple doubles in there,” reported Coach Perry.

Jackson Hamlin and Kyle Calaguas finished in fifth and sixth with a 78 and 79.  The placements resulted in Storbeck, Hamlin and Calaguas  being named First Team All-Conference.

“This is Hamlin time.  It is so much fun watching him play well.  He really enjoys golf.  Like last year, this was his personal best for the year,” said Perry.

Alex Snelling and Evan Krause each had rounds of 82 and Tate Storbeck fired an 85 for the Lions.

“We have the best complete team in the state.  We had all six golfers place in the top 13 in the NCC,” added Perry.  “We will need that balance as Sectional tournaments start.”

The Lions are ranked second in Class 2A.  Their record is 45-7.

CL 155, H-D 212

The Lions celebrated a conference dual championship with a win over Hampton-Dumont Thursday, May 4, by a score of 155-212.

The win closed the regular season for Clear Lake and gave them a perfect 7-0 record in the league.

“To win a conference dual championship is the first goal every season and to accomplish that is something this team can list as an achievement,” said Coach Eric Perry.  “We have four more goals ahead of us and all the kids know what those are.”

Playing on their home course, Veteran’s Memorial, the Lions were in control.

Thomas Storbeck and Kyle Calaguas each carded 38s.  Tate Storbeck was right behind with a 39 and Evan Krause had a 40.  Non-counting scores included Alex Snelling’s 41 and Jackson Hamlin’s 42.

Justin Kent had the low score for the Bulldogs, a 44.

“The kids have battled all year through tough conditions and adversity that has made them continue to grow as golfers and as a team, The road ahead will be tough but we’ve prepared as much as we can to achieve the ultimate goal,”  said Coach Mike Oimoen.