Published: October 09, 2006 09:40 am      

River Kings take 10th at state golf

DAVENPORT — Standing outside the clubhouse following the Iowa Boys Class 4A High School State Golf Tournament, Clinton coach Paul Niedermeyer reflected on a successful season.

“If these kids look back at their accomplishments, they can be proud,” said Niedermeyer after the River Kings took 10th place in the two-day event at Crow Valley Golf Course. “Considering we were last in the conference last year and second-to-last in districts, these kids have come a long way. They had a really great season.”

Clinton, sixth after Friday’s opening round with a 323, came back with a 336 Saturday to finish with a score of 659.

“It was just one of those tough days on the golf course,” said Niedermeyer. “It seems every four-, five- or six-foot putt, none of them went in. Sure the guys are disappointed, but there are a lot of teams who would surely trade places with us. I really credit our four seniors who led us to state. They’ve done a great job.”

The River Kings’ top four finishers were the seniors. Eric Cagley tied for 24th place with a 162 to lead the way.

Colin Meier tied for 35th with a 165, Josh Bousman tied for 38th at 166 and Eric Niedermeyer was in a tie for 47th with a 168.

Rounding out the team were sophomore Elliott Deering, 61st place with a 173, and junior Shane Nier, 75th with a 183.

The individual champ was Waterloo West’s Nathan Leary, who fired a 5-over-par 147. He is the grandson of Ann Meyer of Clinton.

Bettendorf won its fourth team title in a row with a 617. First-day leader West Des Moines Dowling Catholic was second with a 621.

IOWA BOYS CLASS 4A STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT

At Crow Valley Golf Course, Davenport

Par 71-71—142

Team standings—1, Bettendorf 313-304—617; 2, West Des Moines Dowling Catholic 311-310—621; 3, Johnston 315-311—626; 4, Ankeny 318-320—638; 5, West Des Moines Valley 315-324—639; 6, Cedar Falls 326-318—644; 7, Ottumwa 326-320—646 and Waterloo West 324-322—646; 9, Ames 325-326—651; 10, Clinton 323-336—659; 11, Muscatine 332-332—664; 12, Davenport Assumption 332-340—672.

Individual leaders—1, Nathan Leary (Waterloo West) 74-73—147; 2, 2, Jared Walahoski (Johnston) 75-75—149; 3, Brad George (Linn-Mar) 75-74—149; 4, Dustin Wells (Ankeny) 76-74—150; 5, Mike Wuertz (Bettendorf) 77-73—150.

Clinton—24, (tie) Eric Cagley 81-81—162; 35, (tie) Colin Meier 79-86—165; 38, (tie) Josh Bousman 79-87—166; 47, (tie) Eric Niedermeyer 86-82—168; 61, Elliott Deering 84-89—173; 75, Shane Nier 95-88—183.