By Becky Walz,
Thursday, Trojan senior Calvin Bodensteiner carded a 48, then a 44 Friday in Turkey Valley’s final home meets of the 2023 season. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)
The Turkey Valley golf teams took advantage of the picture-perfect weather late last week to wrap up the regular season on the Jackson Heights Golf Course, hosting Clayton Ridge Thursday and Crestwood Friday.
Versus Eagles
The golf conditions were on-target Thursday as the Trojans hosted Clayton Ridge.
“While we dropped a couple of close meets to the Eagles, the positives certainly outweighed the negatives overall. Six boys and one girl shot season-low scores and the boys came within three strokes of their season low nine hole total,” said Coach John Reicks.
Freshman Annika Bodensteiner led the way with a 59, with Sofia Rivera and Halle Weber carding 63s, Mariah Throndson firing a 64 to count for the Trojan girls. Abby Schmitt (70) and sophomore Morgan Vsetecka (74) rounded out the Turkey Valley Valley scorecard. Emma Brincks (64) and Brooklyn Kuennen (78) also competed.
“The girls are playing pretty steady. We just need to tighten up our short game. Annika, Halle, Sofia and Mariah are playing their best golf of the season. We do really have a consistent group of scorers. How we do in the post-season 18-hole format remains to be seen,” said Coach Reicks.
Clayton Ridge took the boys’ dual 172 to 179.
“I was really proud of our boys as they showed some tremendous “intestinal fortitude” to come within seven strokes of the Eagles.
Prime example was junior Oliver Schmitt who started his day off with a disastrous 12 on Hole No. 1. He somehow battled his way back with some impressive mental toughness and carded a 44 including an eagle on Hole No. 9.
“All five of his varsity teammates witnessed his Hole No. 1 debacle from the tee box, but they kept their composure as well,” noted Coach Reicks.
Caleb Kurtenbach braced up and carried the load to earn runner-up medalist honors overall with his season-low score of 42. Carson Busta (45), Garrett Dietzenbach (51) and Braylen Byrne (52) all shot season-low scores as well. Calvin Bodensteiner came in with a 48.
Non-conference finale
The Turkey Valley and Crestwood boys’ golf teams waged an epic battle Friday, as both teams garnered season-low scores in the process.
The Class 3A Cadets won by a slim 11-stroke margin, 157 to 168, but the Trojans put forth a valiant effort during the skirmish.
Cadet star Landen Bergan took medalist honors with a one-under par 35. A three-way tie for second place included the pair of talented Trojan juniors Oliver Schmitt and Caleb Kurtenbach, along with Cadet Cade Korsmo, all who finished with three-over par 39’s.
“The top foursome of boys were really dialed in tonight and it was fun to watch,” said Coach Reicks.
Turkey Valley seniors Calvin Bodensteiner (44), Carson Busta (46) and Garrett Dietzenbach (50) also made the last home meet of their high school careers a memorable one. Brayen Byrne (55) rounded out the Trojan scorecard.
Both the Cadet boys’ and girls’ shot their season-low scores against the Trojans, as the Lady Cadets fired a blistering 203 over the Trojans’ 272.
Adding insult to injury was the fact that the TV girls were also playing short-handed as five of girls were missing due to a state-wide music contest.
“I am glad our kids have the opportunity to shine on a different stage besides on the golf course,” said Coach Reicks.
Mariah Throndson (62) and Halle Weber (65) led the way for the Trojans. Karstyn Lukes (68) did a great job fresh off the track team, while sophomores Moran Vsetecka (77) and Brooklyn Kuennen (78) also played.
“We now turn our attention to post-season play next week with boys’ and girls’ conference meets, boys’ sectionals, and girls’ first round regionals on tap. We just need Mother Nature to cooperate weather-wise,” concluded the veteran skipper.
This week
The Trojan boys competed in the Upper Iowa Conference meet Monday at Big Rock Country Club in Fayette, while the girls are in conference action today, Tuesday, May 9, at Tri City Golf Club near Luana at 9 a.m.
Boys’ sectionals will take place Wednesday, May 9, at 10 a.m. Turkey Valley is in Class 1A and will be at sectionals Wednesday, May 10, at the Guttenberg Country Club at 10 a.m.
The first regional for the Class 1A TV girls will be at the Maple Hill Country Club in Tripoli Friday, May 12, at 10 a.m.
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