Newton golfers bring home the Wardinal Cup from Norwalk

NORWALK — Newton’s golf usually does not play nine-hole dual meets. The Cardinals did on Thursday to end the regular season, and start a new tradition.

The Cardinals won the “Wardinal Cup” dual against host Norwalk. Newton won it by two strokes, 147 to 149.

“We won the first Newton-Norwalk Wardinal Cup. We created a traveling trophy like the “Floyd of Rosedale,” and the winner gets to take the trophy home for the year,” said Pat Riley, Newton golf head coach.

Devin Shores, Bobby Dowling, and Austin Reynolds led Newton, shooting 36 apiece. Riley said Jordan Henning came through big-time, shooting a 39 to round out the top four scores. Derek Damman carded a 42 and Cory Hartgers finished with a 43.

“It was a big win for us. This was our last competitive meet before we head to Copper Creek next Tuesday for districts,” Riley said. “We had a great round out of Austin, who shot his best round of the year. We also had a good round out of Jordan, who shot 39 in only his third varsity meet. Devin and Bobby did what they do, and we edged the Warriors by the slimmest of margin.”

Newton’s junior varsity also participated in the competition at Norwalk. Payton Thomas led the junior varsity Cardinals with a 38, one stroke ahead of teammate Jared Stanton, 39. Trey Vanderlaan shot a 42, followed by Evan Shimon with a 44, Tyler Thongvanh with a 49, and Hunter Hartgrave with a 51.

Newton’s varsity goes to Copper Creek Golf Course Tuesday in Pleasant Hill for a Class 4A district tournament. Play begins at 10 a.m.