BELLE PLAINE – Veteran local observers are scratching their heads, wondering when Montezuma last won a sectional championship in boys golf.
The most recent “last time” was Friday, May 14, when the Braves struck with accuracy and efficiency to capture the sectional crown.
Montezuma now advances to district competition on Thursday, May 20, at the Pleasant Valley course in Iowa City.
Montezuma won by 22 strokes.
Meet medalist was Eddie Burgess, with an 18-hole score of 86. Jacob Ross and Connor Van Zee each fired 87s. Trey Shearer shot 88, “but was carded out,” for the fourth-place medal, according to Montezuma Coach Liesl Roorda. Maguire De Jong shot 91 and Alex Cheney was in at 98.
“It looked initially to be a rough start, but the boys settled in and battled physically and mentally for every stroke,” Roorda said.
“These boys are true athletes and are using not only their physical skills, but exercising the true grit it takes mentally to compete in golf,” the coach said.
“Sometimes you have to battle against yourself as well as the other competitors. It’s so important to minimize the hole or stroke that went awry and come back immediately with a positive mental focus.”
That, Roorda said, will improve the outcome of the next stroke and the next hole.
The coach said Montezuma’s players have shown growth as well as a strong work ethic. “Only three of them had any golf competition experience before this season,” Roorda said.
“Last year’s COVID season washed out the hopes of Eddie, Trey and Maguire of getting competitive meet experience. On the other hand, it gave them the opportunity, which they took full advantage of, to spend a lot of time on the course working on their game. That solidified their intent to compete in this year’s golf season.”
“Adding in the prior season experiences Jacob and Alex had as sophomores and Connor as a freshman, who all spent time in and out of the jv/varsity line-up, the boys are doing all they can to continue on this post-season run,” Roorda said.
“Also, thanks to their JV teammates, who have pressed them all season and pushed them to keep growing with good competition and much encouragement,” Roorda said.
Sectional golf team scores – 1, Montezuma 348. 2, North Tama 370 (top two advance). 3, BCLUW 380. 4, Belle Plaine 425. 5, BGM 495. 6, Baxter 517. 7, GMG, no team score.
Top 10 Individual scores – Eddie Burgess 86, Connor Van Zee 87, Jacob Ross 87, Jeremy Reineke (BP) 88, Trey Shearer 88, Aaron Snider (NT) 89, Paden Ketter (NT) 91, Maguire De Jong 91, Ray Callaway (BCLUW) 91, Kade Pekarek (BCLUW) 93.