GHV boys end golf season

The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura boys golf team can look back at the 2015 season with no regrets.

NIC Conference Meet

It was a disappointing night for the GHV boys golf team.  They fell just three strokes short of winning the North Iowa Conference Tournament held on Monday, May 11.

Bishop Garrigan won the 12-team meet with a score of 331.  Eagle Grove was runners-up with 334 and GHV scored 335.

Freshman Matthew Heinemann had a stellar night, as he led the Cardinals with an 80, which was good for a sixth place finish in the 66-man field.  Grady Umbarger’s 81 earned him an eighth place finish.  Both GHV golfers earned all-conference honors.

“The the team played solid golf on a terrible day,” said Coach Ken Krause.

Braedon Johnston and Alex Goll tied for 18th place, carding 87s.  Jordan Babcock and Ryan Grunwald were 20th and 23rd respectively.  Babcock shot an 88 and Grunwald carded an 89.

“This year’s squad has worked harder and accomplished more than any team in a number of seasons.  The season record stands at 23-8, with five close losses along the way,” said Krause.

Sectionals

The Cardinals finished the season by placing last at Sectional competition held on Friday, May 15, in Fort Dodge.  Saint Edmond won the meet with 315 points, followed by Pochahontas Area with 322.  GHV finished with 350 points in the eight team competition.

The team was led by two underclassmen.  Grady Umbarger’s 81 led the team and helped him to a 13th place finish.  Two holes gave him some trouble, with a quad and a triple.

“Grady had a great year and should be one of the top players in the area with continued hard work,” said Coach Ken Krause.

Freshman Matthew Heinemann shot a solid 86 to finish 22nd in the 48-man field.

“Matthew is playing better and better with each meet,” said Krause.

Rounding out the team score was Braedan Johnston with a 91 and Ryan Grunwald carded a 92.  Also golfing was Jordan Babcock and Payton Stadtlander, both shot 94.

The Cardinals say goodbye to three seniors, Grunwald, Johnston and Stadtlander.

“The seniors set a great example of hard work and positive attitudes for the younger players,” said Krause.

Krause said he is looking forward to the future of golf at GHV with Umbarger, Heinemann and Babcock leading the way.

“This group of young men represented their school, community, and themselves in a positive and first class manner.  As a coach, I could not be prouder of them as players and as young men,” said Krause.