Damman leads NHS golf team

FORT DODGE — Going into the season, sophomore Derek Damman set his goal of shooting in the low 80s to help the Newton Senior High Cardinal golf team at tournaments.

Damman met that goal and a little more in Tuesday’s Fort Dodge High Invitational. Damman was the Cardinals’ team medalist, finishing tied for seventh in a field of 90 golfers. Damman shot a 76 for the 18-hole event at Fort Dodge Country Club.

“I was really impressed with Derek’s play today,” said Pat Riley, Newton golf coach. “He really stepped up and played his best round yet. I know he has worked really hard to improve his game, and it is starting to pay dividends. I was happy for Derek.”

Newton finished in the middle of the 15-team field. The Cardinals combined for a four-man total of 336 for eighth place, one shot behind Mason City. Waudee won the tournament with an impressive 298 followed by Ankeny Cenntenial at 299.

“I thought we left a few shots out on the course,” Riley said. ‘We just have to work on our course management and focus on tighter fairways and tougher holes.”

Devin Shores carded an 83 for Newton and Bobby Dowling shot an 85. Austin Reynolds came in with a 92 followed by Cory Hartgers with 93 and Tyler Thongvanh at 105.

“I know the kids have the capabilities to make the shots. We are right on the verge of breaking out,” Riley said of his varsity team. “However, I would rather we struggle a little now and really catch fire toward the end of the season, when there is more on the line.”

Next Tuesday, Newton travels to Ottumwa to play at Ottumwa Country Club.