Panthers' first two meets help determine goals

     The bar has been set for the Monticello High School boys golf team this season.

     The Panthers started the year with a team score of 196 in a 40-stroke dual meet home win over Northeast of Goose Lake April 6. But head coach Curt Tauke said he believes the team can score much lower.

     “Our team score was very high, but it’s going to take us a while after losing five varsity players off last year’s team,” Tauke said. “Our goal will be to shoot around 170 at year’s end.”

     Kegan Arduser of the Panthers was medalist in the meet with a 45, and teammate Nash Sutterman was right behind him at 46.

     “I thought Kegan Arduser and Nash Sutterman played very well, for it being the first meet of the year and with very difficult wind conditions,” the coach said.

     Monticello then competed in its first invitational of the year, April 8 at Lone Pine in Colesburg, a meet hosted by Edgewood-Colesburg.

     There, the Panthers shot 379 for 18 holes to finish fifth out of six complete teams. Because of ACT testing, Monticello had just four golfers at the meet.

     “I really thought we had some pretty good scores,” Tauke said.

     Aaron Gearhart shot an 82 to take fifth place overall and lead the Panthers. Gearhart shot 94 on the same course a year ago. Arduser shot a 91, and Kirklen Kiburz had a 94.

     “Kegan had a nice second round, improving three strokes from his first round. Kirklen has made some great strides since his freshman year.

     “Overall I’ve been pleased with the team’s improvement, and as we gain more experience I expect us to continue to lower our scores.”

April 6

(at Monticello)

Monticello 196,

Northeast 236

MONTICELLO CARDS

     Kegan Arduser 45 (medalist), Nash Sutterman 46, Aaron Gearhart 51, Kirklen Kiburz 54, Daltyn Kramer 56, Hunter Kramer 59.

April 8

(at Lone Pine, Colesburg)

TEAM CARDS

     1, East Buchanan 305; 2, Edgewood-Colesburg 349; 3, Marion 371; 4, Don Bosco 379; 5, Monticello 379; 6, Cascade 481. (Maquoketa Valley and Bellevue Marquette had incomplete scores.)

MONTICELLO CARDS

     Aaron Gearhart 41-41–82 (fifth place), Kegan Arduser 47-44–91, Kirklen Kiburz 47-47–94, Daltyn Kramer 55-57­–112. Medalist: Chris Cooksley, East Buchanan, 68.