Hard work pays big dividends

A handful of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn golfers have gotten to the cusp of qualifying to play in the girls’ state tournament, but none could get over the hump.

All of that is history now, as Gracie Knobloch will play in the Class 1A state tournament on May 23-24. The junior shot an 18-hole score of 91 (44-47) during the Region 1 final at Lake Creek on May 15.

“I’m super excited to see Gracie finish as runner-up medalist at the regional final. She played consistent golf throughout the day to put herself in the right position at the end,” said Hawk coach Cheryl Kroese. “Gracie has put in a lot of hard work not only in season, but also out of season to improve her game and it paid off in the end. I can’t wait to see what she does at state!”

Knobloch was runner-up to Mariah Gerleman, of Central Lyon, who carded an 81. Other individuals who finished in the Top 6 at the regional final were Maggie Bloom, Alta-Aurelia, 93; Jordyn Sitzmann, Kingsley-Pierson, 94; Lainey Schuknecht, Akron-Westfield, 97; and Avery Westphal, Alta-Aurelia, 97.

Teams earning berths in the state tournament were Central Lyon (403) and Akron-Westfield (410). Third-place Kingsley-Pierson (419) was followed by Alta-Aurelia (421), MMCRU (443), Harris-Lake Park (444) and Westwood (446).

The 36-hole stroke play state tournament will be held at the American Legion Golf Course at Marshalltown. A 9 a.m. shotgun start on Thursday will begin the tournament, with tee assignments and times on Friday to be determined by the previous day’s results.

• Kinsey Schirmer completes career

H-M-S senior Kinsey Schirmer concluded her high school career at the regional final, finishing in a tie for ninth place. Her final total of 102 (54-48) was five strokes behind the last two players to qualify for state.

“She had about three holes where she got herself in trouble, which can happen easily on a course full of water and hazards like we played at Lake Creek,” Kroese noted. “Kinsey is definitely going to be missed next season, but I have been honored to be able to coach her these past four years.”

Schirmer was first-team All-War Eagle Conference and also Academic All-Conference this season, which Kroese said are “fantastic accomplishments.”