The Chanticleer golf team took on the elements and 14 other teams on Thursday and came away with a runner-up finish at the O’Neill Invitational at O’Neill Country Club. Hartington Cedar Catholic shot 353 to win and the Chants 363 to O’Neill’s total of 375.
The weather at the meet was not conducive to golf as the wind was steady at 25 and gusting to 40 while the rain came and went with a temperature in the 30’s and 40’s. Coach Mike Bechtold lauded the golfers attitude in the conditions.
“I was very proud of the way our team handled the poor conditions.” Bechtold said, “It was hardly even mentioned, they just kept plugging away and working on their craft. The focus was great to see.”
The Chants medaled three golfers with Kelen Meyer runner-up at 82, Brodie Darnell 7th at 89 and Tad Kovarik 12th at 92. Cade Geiser shot 100 and Trey Warner 105.
Bechtold said he saw quite a few positives in the meet.
“First, I saw a mental toughness with the conditions, and second, each golfer learned a little something about themselves this meet.”
Bechtold said the front nine scores for Kovarik and Geiser showed where they can get as Kovarik shot 41 and Geiser 45.
“And Kelen and Brodie each turned a small corner on being our rocks, the leaders of the team.” Bechtold said.
The Chants travel to Meadowlark and Centura Hills next week for invites.
Lilienthal Medals at GINW JV Invite
Rowe Lilienthal shot an 88 to medal 5th at the Grand Island Northwest Junior Varsity Invitational. The Chant team placed 7th.
Other scores were Tad Kovarik at 99, Ethan Papiernik 119, Garrick Boden 129, Riley Ladwig 132, Isaac Van Leer 137 and Ethan Nelson 141.