This spring was one of transition for the West Central Area boys golf program as it moved from the Class A to the Class AA level. The Knights still found plenty of success.
The Knights were Quad County Conference champions, won four meets and set a school record low round score of 322 on May 4 at Pomme De Terre Golf Club in Morris.
Sophomore Mitch Dewey, 8th-grader Marshall Dewey, junior Peyton Hanson and freshman Sam Hanson were named to the All-Quad County Conference team and were among the many student-athletes highlighted at the end of the season by WCA head coach Kraig Hunter.
Mitch and Marshall were also listed as All-West Central Conference athletes, while Peyton was an honorable mention.
“It was a fun year and fun to coach such a dedicated group,” Hunter said. “They were always trying to improve some part of their game, and as they’re getting more experience, they have become strong at the mental game as well. They had great team chemistry and are all good students in the classroom as well.”
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In addition to Mitchell Dewey, Marshall Dewey, Sam Hanson and Peyton Hanson, juniors Brett Amundson, Jeremy Fisk and Blake Flint were letter winners.
The Knights had five team awards that were all voted on amongst each other.
Mitch Dewey was named the team’s Most Valuable Golfer.
“Mitch medaled in eight of the 11 meets and he was the individual champion in the Ortonville meet,” Hunter said. “He placed second individually in the conference and 27th at sections. He had the low team scoring average of 41.3.”
Marshall Dewey was voted the team’s Most Dedicated Golfer.
“Marshall is always on the course, the range, or the putting green practicing,” Hunter said. “He is always trying new things and has developed a complete game. Marshall finished 4th in the conference individually and 22nd at sections. He finished on the team with the second-lowest scoring average of 42.1. He medaled seven times.”
Peyton Hanson won the team’s Shining Knight Award for leadership, character and sportsmanship.
“Peyton is an incredible leader,” Hunter said. “He is always encouraging teammates, he remains positive and he is very respectful to all opponents he plays with in this gentleman’s game. He embodies the type of character we strive for in our student-athletes. Peyton also finished towards the top of the conference in scoring and medaled in several meets. He finished with the third-best scoring average on the team at 42.9.”
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Sam Hanson improved his game from his 8th-grade year to freshman year and was named the team’s Most Improved Golfer for his efforts.
“Sam for sure has improved a great deal,” Hunter said. “I caught myself saying that every week. Starting the sport as an 8th-grader and now, just a year later, finishing in the top 10 in the conference. And then finishing the year with a season-best 83 and claiming a fifth place medal at the conference meet shows what he’s done. Sam has put in a lot of time at the course as well and just keeps getting better.”
Rounding out the awards, Brett Amundson was named the program’s Rookie of the Year.
“Brett was a welcome addition to our team for sure, not only for his good golfing ability but the chemistry he had with his teammates is great,” Hunter said. “Brett continued to improve all year and finished with his best round of the season at the section meet. Even though Brett had played golf with family and friends, it is different doing it competitively. After a year under his belt of playing some pretty good golf and getting comfortable in that environment, I anticipate him having continued success next year.”
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