Tuesday’s Fort Dodge Invitational likely served as a preview of a district meet next month for some of the 15 boys’ golf teams in the field.
The Fort Dodge Country Club will be one of the five district sites in Class 4A. Copper Creek and Hyperion are among the other sites.
“It was really good to have some success at Fort Dodge today as this is a possible site for us for districts,” said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld, whose team placed fourth overall with a season-best score of 303. “We could also go to Copper Creek and we play there later in the season, but anytime you shoot well on a course it gives you confidence and that is exactly what we are looking for.”
Centennial shot a 301 to earn a third-place finish. The Jaguars were led by Kinnick Nelson, who carded a 1-under-par 70 to capture runner-up honors.
Nelson finished one stroke behind medalist Jackson Buchanan of Indianola, who fired a 69.
“Kinnick had his breakout performance today,” said Centennial coach Andrew Reedy. “He was really in control of his game, and it was the type of round that proves to a kid what he is capable of. It was his first under par round of his life, so for it to happen in a competitive setting tells me something about his mindset.”
Second-ranked Waukee Northwest shot a 292 to claim the team title. No. 3 Dallas Center-Grimes, the defending champion, took second with a 294.
Ankeny was led by Ryan Constable, who carded a 73 to place sixth as an individual.
“I am very pleased with the team today,” Weddingfeld said. “We continue to lower our team score, and the boys really stepped up playing some nice golf. Ryan started the day with a double bogey on his first hole and ended the day with two birdies so it was a really solid round for him.”
Centennial’s Colby Zinn placed 13th with a 74.
“Colby played his best round of the year today,” Reedy said. “Colby had found himself off of varsity after a couple of rounds that were out of character for him. He got through some qualifying we did on Friday and really grabbed a hold of his opportunity today. I am very proud of his resilience and his ability to rise to the occasion.”
Cade Miller shot a 78 for the Jaguars. Tiernan Logan fired a 79, Bennett Lewis had an 80, and McCoy Miller finished with an 82.
McCoy Miller entered the day ranked sixth in the entire state with a 35.28 average for nine holes.
“McCoy had kind of an outlier round for him,” Reedy said. “We are trying to figure out how to get everyone to click on the same day, and when we do we will be dangerous.”
Griffen Beelner carded a 76 for the Hawks. Chase Ortega and Gavin Ross each had a 77, Riley Dueker shot an 82, and Elliott McHose had an 84.
“Griffen, Gavin and Chase also played really well for us, and I think Chase said it best in the van on the ride home,” Weddingfeld said. “He said, ‘I think we can keep improving and go lower; we are starting to feel comfortable in our varsity roles.’ I agree with that statement and feel that these guys are very focused, hard working and have positive attitudes so I think we will just keep getting better.”
Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday, when the Hawks host the Ankeny Invitational at Otter Creek. No. 9 Valley is the defending champion.
“The guys are looking forward to playing a course they are familiar with!” Reedy said.