By Becky Walz,
Senior Abby Schmitt follows the track of her ball in Turkey Valley’s first home meet of the season Thursday. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)
The Turkey Valley golf teams notched a pair of UIC wins with a sweep over a much-improved West Central squad at Jackson Heights Golf Course Thursday.
“We had another beautiful night for golf with the exception of some strong SW winds, but the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves out there on the course,” said Coach John Reicks. “We are still working on some things including course management and proper golf etiquette, but I really like what I see at this early stage of the season.”
Girls’ action
The Trojan girls out-shot the visitors 249 to 264 for their first victory of the season with five of their six varsity golfers scoring in the 60’s.
Freshman Annika Bodensteiner led the way with an even 60 to earn runner-up medalist honors, seven strokes behind Blue Devil standout Abby Squires. Mariah Throndson and Morgan Vsetecka both carded 61’s, while Abby Schmitt and Halle Weber each shot a 67. Brooklyn Kuennen fired a 75 to round out the varsity scorecard. Sofia Rivera (69) and Emma Brincks (79) also competed on the TV undercard.
“I really liked the way the girls battled the elements with the hot, windy conditions. I am anxious to see how we play when the grass gets a little longer. Overall, it was a good win for us. Abby is our only senior this year, so we have a good contingent of young golfers that should only get better,” noted Coach Reicks.
Sweeping the medals
On the boys’ side, TV came out on top 187 to 216, with three of its golfers in the 40s.
“I hope to see our entire varsity group all shoot in the 40’s in the same meet before the season is over,” said Coach Reicks.
Juniors Oliver Schmitt (42) and Caleb Kurtenbach (44) swept medalist honors with some stellar play around and on the greens. Calvin Bodensteiner (46) and Garrett Dietzenbach (55) also counted for the Trojans. Calen Franzen chipped in with a 57, while Carson Busta fought his way back from a disastrous 12 on Hole 6 to fashion an even 60. Colton Kurtenbach (51) and Wyatt Maklenburg (62) are both vying for a spot on the varsity scorecard, as are Bode Balk (63) and Braylen Byrne (54).
“With a few kids still waiting to play their first rounds of the year, we still need someone to step up and claim the No. 4-6 spots on the varsity scorecard as the season gets into full swing,” concluded Coach Reicks.
Next on the docket
The Trojans will be on the course Tuesday, April 18, against South Winn and Decorah in a triangular at South Winn Golf Course near Calmar at 4 p.m. Turkey Valley will see the Warriors a second time next week in a UIC dual Thursday, April 20, at Silver Springs Golf Club in Ossian.
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