While the Valley boys’ golf team dominated the Ankeny Invitational on Wednesday at Otter Creek Golf Course, the real battle was for second place.
Valley, the defending the Class 4A state champion, shot a 280 to easily win the team crown. The next six squads all broke 300 as well and were separated by just four strokes.
Dowling Catholic and Ankeny each carded a 295, but the Maroons took the runner-up spot based on a better fifth score. Still, the Hawks placed third and finished just ahead of four other teams.
“I was very happy with the results,” said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. “We again lost a tiebreaker and ended up in third place, but it was a good day and 295 is a solid score.”
Dallas Center-Grimes placed fourth in the 12-team field with a 296. Ankeny Centennial was fifth with a 297, followed by Southeast Polk (298) and Ames (299).
The Hawks defeated Centennial for the third time in five meetings this season. They edged the Jaguars by two strokes for the second meet in a row.
“We beat some talented teams on a beautiful day at Otter Creek,” Weddingfeld said. “The course was in great shape, and the weather was just about perfect so no complaints from me. We know that we didn’t play a perfect round of golf, but we continue to improve and kids continue to step up so I feel we are right where we want to be midseason.”
Valley’s Cade Sunde shot a 4-under-par 67 to earn medalist honors. He edged teammate Braeden Nelson by one shot.
Ankeny’s Caden Weddingfeld fired a 1-under 70 to place fifth. It was the best round of his career.
“Caden played a great round of golf,” said his father. “He had only one bogey all day and just played good, solid golf.”
Weddingfeld struggled early in the season, shooting scores of 87 and 88 at the first two meets. But he played a steady round on Wednesday, making birdies on Nos. 10 and 15 along with 15 pars.
“At the start of the year my game was a little off, but my mental side was struggling even more,” said Caden. “I was getting down on myself so this is something I’ve been working on a lot. I have been focusing on strengthening my mental toughness, and I believe that this is what has helped me most. My thoughts have been much more positive, and I’ve stayed much more even keel. I’ve just continued to work hard, and my game has been trending up.”
Ankeny’s Evan Hodapp took sixth with a 71. After making a double bogey on No. 18, he rebounded with an eagle on his final hole of the day–the par-4, No. 1 hole.
“Evan turned in another great even-par round,” Weddingfeld said.
Duncan Beelner carded a 75 for the Hawks. Ryan Constable and Gavin Ross each shot a 79, and Breck Hughes added an 80.
“Duncan didn’t putt very well today, but he still battled and turned in a very respectable score,” Weddingfeld said. “Gavin played well on the front nine and just had a few mistakes that hurt his back nine score, but he kept battling. Ryan scored for us today in his first varsity event, and Breck played well too so I am content with all six guys and how they performed. We will be happy with today’s results and get back to work (Thursday).”
McCoy Miller and Charlie Morrissey each shot a 73 to lead the Jaguars. They placed 11th and 14th, respectively, in the field of 72 players.
“McCoy had one big number that inflated his score,” said Centennial coach Andrew Reedy, referring to a quadruple bogey on the par-4, No. 9 hole. “He was 5-over on the front and made the turn with a great attitude, then went and shot 3-under on the back. Kudos to him!
“Charlie also had some troubles on the front–he was 4-over on the front and shot 2-under on the back. He is doing a really good job of battling throughout his rounds and posting the best number he can,” Reedy added.
Centennial’s Tiernan Logan carded a 75, while Jett Lovanh shot a 76. Nathan Boehlert and Jackson Lewis each finished with a 79.
“Tiernan has settled in a bit and has been great for us the last few events. He made a couple mistakes today, but made some birdies coming in,” Reedy said. “Jett started great and then had a bit of trouble coming in. He is doing really well for us this season and continues to have a fantastic attitude!”
Both Ankeny and Centennial will have nearly a week off before returning to action on Wednesday with CIML Conference triangular meets. The Hawks will face Johnston and Southeast Polk at Jester Park, while the Jaguars will play Urbandale and Waukee at River Valley Golf Course in Adel.
