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Knights’ boys, girls win sub-sections
Published 11:14am Thursday, May 24, 2012The WCA boys golfers won their second sub-section title in the last three years on Wednesday in Minnewaska, and senior Matt Wagner was the individual champion. After trailing at the nine-hole turn, the Knights got it going on the back nine to win by 15 strokes over BBE and Osakis.
“When we won it in 2010 it was a bit of a surprise,” Knight Coach Kraig Hunter said. “This year was a little more pressure because we knew we had a veteran team with five seniors. We lost to BBE earlier in the year at an Invitational meet and we knew our scores all year were close with BBE and Osakis with Ashby close behind. Therefore, we knew it was going to be close this year.”
After the last group of golfers came through the front nine, Osakis was at 177, the Knights 178, and BBE 180.
“It was close and exciting to watch unfold,” said Hunter.
When the rain started, the Knights came through with a 168 on the back nine to give them a 346, while Osakis shot a 184 and BBE a 181 putting both of them at 361, 15 strokes behind the Knights.
Coach Hunter said, “The boys came through under pressure again. Matt Wagner was really a senior leader today pulling the rope out front, shooting even par golf. I think that helped propel the other boys along when they heard the updates on how well Matt was playing.”
Wagner earned the medal by shooting an even par 72 round. On the front nine, Wagner started out birdie, birdie, double bogey and then six straight pars for an even par 36. On the back nine, Wagner started out with bogeys on numbers 10 and 11 but finished with birdies on three of the last five holes along with one bogey for another even par 36.
“Great round of golf,” noted Hunter. “Matt is finally starting to play like he is capable of. I think the one-under par round which placed him 3rd in Barnesville last week really got him going as of late.”
Mike Engler posted the second score for the Knights with a 90, Brad Westrom a 91, and Calvin Anderson a 93. Hunter Pfingsten added a 95 and Kent Kjesbo a 105.
“Brad really gave us a boost with a nice round today as well. Mike and Calvin were struggling early on the front nine, but both came back nice on the back nine,” said Hunter. “Some of these seniors can be proud to be a member of two sub-section championship teams during their careers.”
The Knights now advance to the Section meet on Thursday, May 31st in Benson.
The WCA girls also won the girls sub-section and will be advancing to Benson as well. More information on their victory was not available by press time.
Team Results
1) WCA – 346
2) BBE – 361 (tie breaker with 5th golfer)
3) Osakis – 361
4) Browerville – 374
5) CGB – 378
6) Ashby – 381
7) Wheaton – 457
Individual Medalists
1) Matt Wagner, WCA – 72
2) Mason Johnson, Ashby – 84
3) Ryan RIckbeil, Browerville – 84
4) Paul Hartman, Osakis – 86
5) T’mone Kliendel, CGB – 87
