Cedar golfers win District meet; Kuehn crowned District champion

NORFOLK — Cedar Catholic won the District golf title Monday, and advanced to next week’s State Golf Tournament.

The Trojans were led by Riley Kuehn, who fired a 72 to earn the District individual title.

All three of Cedar’s top golfers finished in the Top 10 and would have earned trips to State on an individual basis, had Cedar not qualified as a team.

“I am really proud of these boys,” Coach Rick Kuehn said. “We haven’t put together a round all year where all the boys shot well — today they did.”

Mack Kuehn finished the 18-hole event with a 78 to finish in fifth place. Sophomore Jay Steffen finished with an 82 for seventh place.

“Mack’s fifth-place finish is something the coaches knew all year long that he could do. It was up to him to believe it and do it,” Coach Kuehn said.

Jay Steffen also played well on the day.

“Jay has always been capable of putting up a good score and he shot very well today. It was all about getting him lined up correctly and getting him to trust his swing.”

Riley Kuehn shot a 38 on the front nine but kicked it up a notch on the back nine, shooting a 34, including an eagle on No. 13.

“I was a little worried about Riley when Coach Bengston told me he was plus-three after eight holes,.” Coach Kuehn said. “I knew when Riley made the turn he would walk into the clubhouse and see his teammates scores and that would light the fire for him.”

As a team, Cedar put together one of its best outings of the year to win the District title, firing a 319. Battle Creek finished as a distant runner-up, coming in at a 342.

The top three teams, and the top 10 individuals will now compete at the State Meet next Tuesday and Wednesday at the Kearney Country Club.

First-round action will begin at 9 a.m.and all golfers will shoot 18 holes. The golfers will shoot 18 again on Wednesday with the action again beginning at 9 a.m. Kuehn also noted he was happy to see Hartington-Newcastle advance to State, as well.

”Congratulations to HNS for the State tourney bid. Hartington is well represented in golf and track,” Kuehn said.

Team totals

1. Cedar Catholic, 319; 2. Battle Creek, 342; 3. West Holt, 357; 4. Ponca, 359; 5. Wisner-Pilger, 363; 6. Norfolk Catholic, 378; 7. GACC, 379; 8. Tri County Northeast, 382; 9. Crofton, 388; 10. Summerland, 406; 11. Lutheran High NE, 414; 12. Wakefield, 438;

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