Lions finish second to earn State berth

Clear Lake Golf Coach Eric Perry summed up his teams’ performance at Friday’s District Golf Meet with three words: every stroke counts.

The Lions finished second behind GCGR, Grundy Center at the Class 2A District played Friday, May 20, at Dike.  Both teams advance to the State Meet Friday at Lake Side Golf Course in Fort Dodge.  First round begins at 10:30 a.m., with the second round scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday.

“The first step is made.  We didn’t win the meet, but we feel like we could score much better.  That is what I like about this team,” said Clear Lake Coach Eric Perry.

The Lions advance to State with a record of 46-14.

The coach noted his team did not finish well at the District meet.  The four Lion scorers were +9 over the last three holes.

In the end, GCGR won the team title with a 305.  The Lions were runner-up with 317, just edging Aplington-Parkersburg, which had 318.

“It was nice to beat A-P by one stroke.  Our football players on the team acknowledged that,” said Coach Perry.

Royce Weber, from Dike-New Hartford, was medalist with a 73.  Clear Lake’s Kyle Calaguas carded a 74 and finished in a tie with Drew Olsen, from Osage.  Carter Stocl, of New Hampton, was fourth with 74.

“Kyle pushed our team to the top,” said Perry. “He birdied five out of the last nine holes.  His approach shots were on and his putting came on. We need one more low score and we have a good chance to compete in Fort Dodge.”

Jackson Hamlin had the second low score for the Lions with a 80.

“Hamlin struggled with his second shots, but continued to do well with his chipping and putting.  When a golfer misses as many greens as Jackson did, you must chip and putt well.”

Evan Krause was next with an 81.

“Evan did his job as a role player.  It was his turn to play well for our team,” said Perry.

Thomas Storbeck had the fourth counting score for the Lions with an 82.

“Thomas had trouble much of the day.  He will figure it out, he’s too good of a golfer and competitor to not play well.”

Also golfing for the Lions was Tate Storbeck and Alex Snelling.  They came into the clubhouse with scores of 84 and 90 respectively.

“Tate and Alex have had better days,” said the coach.  “This is the best part of a team sport.  We will need these guys one or both days at State.”

Denver (321), New Hampton (323) and PCM (329) rounded out the field at the District Meet.