March 19, 2024

Cardinal boys’ golf goes after another LHC title

Swinging for their second straight Little Hawkeye Conference golf tournament title are Newton High’s Cardinal boys. The Cardinals find themselves in an unique situation heading into the 2017 spring golf season — there will be no postseason for the Newton boys.

Newton played Class 3A golf a year ago in the spring, won a share of the LHC dual meet title and won the conference tournament. The Cardinals qualified two players to the Class 3A state golf tournament.

Then Newton was pushed back up into the Class 4A division, which meant the Cardinal boys played fall golf in 2016-17. A decision was made to play a split schedule — a very short regular season and the postseason in the fall and a 10-play dates in the spring.

“Keeping the spring season gives our kids a chance to earn all-conference accolades and our team a chance to be conference dual and/or tournament champs,” Newton head coach Pat Riley said. “If we were strictly fall golf, our kids would not be able to earn conference honors. If we played spring golf, they would not be allowed to compete at the state level. The split season allows for both.”

So, the Cardinals played at the Class 4A district golf tournament in October, but came up shy of qualifying anyone to the state 4A tournament.

Riley, who is in his 13th year coaching the Cardinals, have five varsity golfer back on the team for the spring season. They include seniors Austin Reynolds and Trey Vanderlaan, who earned LHC honors finishing in the top 12 at the conference tournament in 2016 and were the two golfers qualifying for the Class 3A state tournament a year ago.

Senior Paul Maharry and junior Shaiden Simmons were on the LHC tournament championship team. Senior Sam Supino played varsity and junior varsity last year.

“We have a good core of experienced players back this year. Austin and Trey will lead the charge. Paul has developed into one of our best players and will be a key component in our overall success,” Riley said. “Sam and Shaiden both played varsity for us last season will need to step up and be big contributors to or four scores.”

Riley said even if all those five players become the team’s top players, the Cardinals need another man to complete the top six. Junior Nate Vanzee and sophomores Colin McAnally and Devon Young played strong junior varsity seasons last spring.

Others expected to via for varsity play this season are juniors Evan Walker and Michael Hodnett and freshmen Damon Reynolds and Nate Keith.

“Evan, Devon, and Colin are guys who gained valuable experience last season and are looking to fill that spot. I think we have a fair shot to compete for not only the conference dual title but also the tournament title,” Riley said.

Riley said the biggest concern heading into the season is the lack of depth. There are 12 players the roster compared to 19 or 20 a year ago.

“We just won’t have as much room for error this spring as last spring. Still I feel like, if we play our best we can win both duals and tournaments. It should be a fun season and I am looking forward to it,” Riley said.

Riley said the Little Hawkeye Conference looks to be competitive with Grinnell, Oskaloosa and Norwalk battling Newton for the top spots. He said Dallas Center-Grimes and Pella Christian are much improved and Pella is trying to rebuild.

Riley’s assistant coach for the spring season is Jason Carter.

Newton opens spring competition Friday at the Norwalk Invitational. It hosts one LHC double dual with Pella Christian and Pella on April 21 and its annual Cardinal Invitational on May 11. Both home meets are at Westwood Golf Course.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com