The Gladbrook-Reinbeck boys golf team pictured on Wednesday, May 14, following their District-qualifying bronze finish at the Class 1A sectional held on the grounds of the Belle Plaine Country Club. From left, Cole Fleshner, Brayden Utter, Austen Mathern, Michael Boyd, Chad Gutknecht, and Anthony Knaack. PHOTO BY CORISSA SNIDER

BELLE PLAINE – For the first time in a long time, the Gladbrook-Reinbeck boys golf team has qualified for the district meet.

“This is the first time the team has advanced in many years,” G-R head coach Corissa Snider told the newspaper, “We aren’t sure the exact amount [of time].”

On Wednesday (May 14), the Rebels competed in a Class 1A sectional held at the Belle Plaine Country Club where they captured bronze with a team score of 349 out of seven scoring teams. South Hamilton won the meet with 324 followed by BCLUW with 334. Sectional champion, runner-up, and third place teams advance to the district competition.

The weather for the state qualifier was nearly perfect, Snider said – warm but with a nice breeze.

Sophomore Anthony Knaack led G-R at Belle Plaine, with a low score of 83 for fifth place. Senior Cole Fleshner carded 88 to tie for 14th place while the Rebel trio of sophomore Brayden Utter, senior Austin Mathern, and senior Michael Boyd all shot 89 to tie for 15th. Freshman Chad Gutknecht shot 92 for 19th.

Rebel sophomore Anthony Knaack lines up a putt on May 14 during the Class 1A sectional meet hosted by Belle Plaine. Knaack led G-R, carding 83 for fifth place overall. PHOTO BY CORISSA SNIDER

South Hamilton junior Luke Martensen (75) was the meet medalist; BCLUW junior Zaden Eggers was runner-up with 78.

The Rebels will next hit the links on Monday, May 19, at the Newman Catholic District meet at Highland Park Golf Course in Mason City. Teams will tee off at 10 a.m.

The Class 1A State Tournament is set for Tuesday, May 27, in Waterloo at South Hills Golf Course. Similar to sectionals, the top three teams from the district meet advance to state.

G-R won the Class 1A state golf championship in 1999, defeating Gehlen Catholic by one stroke. Rebel team participants that year at state included Jon Freese (163), Mike Boatman (168), Chris Linder (168), Brent Beichly (169), Josh Petersen (173), and Nick Linder (192).

Editor’s Note: This story will publish in next week’s (Friday, May 23) print edition of the Sun Courier along with the district meet results.