Wildcat boys’ golfers have lofty goals

Led by returning Class 3A state meet performer Cade Birdsell, the Humboldt High boys’ golf team has set lofty goals this spring.

The Wildcats, led by veteran head coach Scott Birdsell and assistant Susan Blanchard, have what they refer to as unfinished business. Last year the Wildcats finished fourth in the North Central Conference tournament, won their sectional and were fourth in the district meet.

Cade Birdsell (junior), Dawson Sleiter (sophomore), John Blanchard (sophomore) and Carson Oleson (junior) will be key returnees this season.

“Cade has been with us every year since he was a freshman. He made the state tournament last year individually. He had a real good year,” Scott Birdsell said. “Dawson Sleiter and Carson Oleson played a lot and lettered for us. John Blanchard is another sophomore who will contribute.”

Birdsell finished 27th at state with a 154. At Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls last year he shot rounds of 38-41-37-38. The winning score was 137. For the season Birdsell averaged 39 over nine holes, 76 over 18 holes.

Sleiter averaged 39 on nine holes and 80 over 18. Oleson averaged 43 on nine holes and 87 over 18.

Just like it is every year, the conference title will go down to one of four schools in Humboldt, Clear Lake, Webster City and Algona. Last year Clear Lake won the NCC meet with 303 strokes. Webster City (314) and Algona (321) finished ahead of Humboldt’s 322.

Cade fired a 77 to finish seventh overall to lead the Wildcats. Sleiter was 14th with an 80, Oleson was 20th with an 84.

“The NCC will be Clear Lake, Humboldt and Webster City. We’ve earned being part of that conference battle each year,” Birdsell said. “Algona has some good kids back so they will be strong.”