(Story by Isaiah Pine)
The Ankeny boys’ golf team completed its CIML Conference regular season schedule with a 3-5 record after falling to both ninth-ranked Dowling Catholic and No. 8 Waukee on Monday.
The Maroons shot a 289 to win the triangular meet at Otter Creek. The Warriors posted a 298 total, while Ankeny finished third with a 303.
“Even though we lost today, I was happy with several positives,” said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. “We shot only one stroke off our best round from last Thursday. We had four scores in the 70s again, and we learned the importance of all six guys on the team.”
Oliver Bormann shot a 72 to lead Ankeny. He placed third overall.
“Oliver played a really good round, especially after starting out the day with a double bogey on his first hole of the day on No. 9,” Weddingfeld said. “After the rough start, he proceeded to shoot 1-under-par on the next 17 holes.”
Drake Shadwick and Charlie McHose each carded a 76 for the Hawks, while Trey Huynh had a 79. Drew Boyd shot an 80, and Ashton Weddingfeld finished with an 84.
Ankeny overcame an off day from Boyd, who has been the team’s most consistent golfer all season.
“Drew did not score for us today, but Charlie really stepped up with a great round,” Weddingfeld said. “That shows the importance of all six guys on the team. All of my best teams have not been made up of just four but six guys that can all score for the team. You are not going to shoot your best golf every time out so it is important to have guys that can step up and play well when a teammate may be struggling, and I think we learned that today.”
Dowling’s Elijah Anderson carded a 67 to earn medalist honors. Sam Federly of Waukee was the runner-up with a 69.
Dowling completed its CIML schedule with a 7-1 mark. The Maroons are tied with Waukee Northwest (6-0) for the league lead, but the Wolves can clinch the outright crown by sweeping Johnston and Waukee (4-2) on Tuesday at Jester Park.
Ankeny will head to Veenker Golf Course in Ames for the Turk Bowman Invitational on Tuesday before competing in the CIML Conference meet on Thursday at Copper Creek.
“All six guys keep improving, and I hope today gave us another boost in confidence so now we need to take that confidence on the road to finish the season strong,” Weddingfeld said.