New Hampton girls’ golf team again scored a school record low score while winning a quad meet with Cresco, Charles City and Decorah last Thursday night. Two girls recorded career low scores and another tied a career low while coming in with a team score of 195. Cresco followed with 197, Decorah had a 201 and Charles City a 221.
    Just that Monday, Crestwood won the NEIC title, Decorah was fourth and the Chickasaws fifth on a day coach Scott Hogeland said his team was average. His tone was different after the Thursday win, played at Elma.
    “I always knew they had it in them,” he said. “They obviously backed up their coaches big mouth.” Hogeland had just been singing the praises of the team at Rotary that day. A few weeks ago he thought the girls could go under 200 before the season was over, then later in the week they scored a school record of 199 and he set the bar lower. They went to the 195, but he’s still not satisfied. “When a coach is satisfied, players are satisfied and no improvements are made.”
    He is, however, very happy with the win. “It was really a battle. We redeemed ourselves after the conference meet and now have some momentum entering the most important meet of the season.” The girls were scheduled to golf in Manchester Monday at districts.
    Amy Kobliska was the medalist for the meet with a 44, which ties her career low. Cassie Sorensen and Cresco’s Kayla Kubik tied for the runner-up spot with a 45, her career low. “I’m especially happy with that score,” noted the coach. “Cassie’s previous low was a 49, she destroyed that. We spent some extra time lately on chipping and putting and that really benefited Cassie, she can hit the ball a long way, but had trouble with her short game.”
    One more career low; Katelyn Lokenvitz counted a 53. Jamie Kirkus also finished with a 53 for the New Hampton total of 195. Rachel Larsen came home with a 55 and Courtney Larsen a 62.
    For now, the coach is keeping low key about this accomplishment, but that may not last. “All of our players are capable of going lower and I will publicly attempt a back handspring when we hit the 180’s.” You heard it here first. “All kidding aside, you’re in this job to help the student-athletes. When they start believing in themselves it’s pretty awesome.  It was one of those special days, it’s neat to be part of a record wide smile. It makes it all worthwhile.”