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Chisago Lakes boys golf head coach Mark Erickson knew going into the season that even though his Wildcats were the conference favorites, winning the title would be more difficult than anyone of his players realized.

That turned out to be exactly the case. As dominating as they have been on the links this season, Chisago Lakes went into last Thursday’s Rum River Conference meet tied with Mora for first. All that was left were two nine hole rounds to determine the victor.

In round one, the Wildcats got started, rolling through the Pine City Golf Course with some of their best play of the year. Josh Angrimson led the way with his best round of the season, carding a two under par 34 while Jordan Hawkinson followed with a 36, giving the ‘Cats a team score of 147, seven shots better than Mora. The first place finish gave Chisago eight points to the Mustangs seven, giving them a slight lead heading into the final round of the season.

While Chisago Lakes was locked in a battle for first, the North Branch Vikings had their eyes set on third in conference, but they had to get past Princeton to do it. Tom Koep returned to last week’s form shooting a 38 while Tyler Leland and Bryan Peters each posted a 41 as the Vikings finished with a 163. The third place finish left the Vikings three points behind the Tigers heading into round two.

“The kids all played where they have been able to play lately,” remarked Tom Moriarty, head coach for North Branch. “Tom played well in the first round to get us started. Tyler wasn’t happy about the way he shot in the first round but he responded.”

He most certainly did.

Rum River Conference Meet

Round One- Team Results:

1) Chisago Lakes 147

2) Mora 154

3) North Branch 163

4) Princeton 166

5) Big Lake 167

6) Foley 174

7) STMA 175

8) Pine City 176

9) Milaca 179

Individual Medalist:

Josh Angrimson, CL 34

Wildcat Individual Scores

Josh Angrimson 34

Jordan Hawkinson 36

Erik Helgerson 38

Joe Stafne 39

Mike Tschida 40

Trent Froberg 42

North Branch Results:

Tom Koep 38

Tyler Leland 41

Bryan Peters 41

Tony Beaver 43

Darrin May 49

Nick Lindberg 51

It was a round of milestones. Disappointed with a 41 in the first round, Leland and the Vikings went back to work, hoping to chip their way to third place. Leland responded by shooting a 36, his best round of the season. Nick Lindberg followed with a 40 along with 41’s from Koep and Beaver, giving the Vikings a 158, their best round of the year. Still, North Branch was only able to gain one point on Princeton, finishing fourth in the conference with 20 points

“I’m really pleased with everything,” commented Moriarty. “I was hoping that we could finish in the middle of the pack at the beginning of the year and we did that.”

The conference order was falling into place and the Chisago Lakes Wildcats wanted to do their part in finalizing things. Up on Mora by one point with one round left, the ‘Cats were determined to hold the lead. Reminiscent to all season, this time, another Wildcat took the reins and steered Chisago towards first place. Senior Erik Helgerson followed up a 38 in round one with a team best 35, good enough for medalist honors in round two. Hawkinson, Angrimson, and Stafne sealed the deal, each shooting under 40, as the ‘Cats took the meet with a 148. The win gave Chisago 31 points out of 32 on the season and their second consecutive Rum River Conference title to go along with it.

“We knew that we could be beaten there,” said Erickson. “North Branch in particular is a team that always finishes strong so we had to be at our best. What’s setting us apart from the rest this year is our consistency. Last year we were just as consistent and that’s basically why we’re winning. One through six, everyone plays solid golf.”

Along with more hardware, the win adds more evidence that this could be the year for the ‘Cats who fell short of the state tournament last season. But before the hotel’s are booked and the parade route is set, Erickson makes it clear that the road will be tough.

“Were going to be up there, but there is no way we can be considered the favorite,” remarked Erickson. “Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Duluth East, Cambridge, they are all strong and when you’re shooting 18 holes of golf anything can happen. I know we have the capability and the kids are hungry for state. They want to leave their mark on the season and they know they can do it.”

Sections begin on Thursday in Grand Rapids. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place at Grand National Golf Course in Hinckley.

Rum River Conference Meet

Round Two- Team Results:

1) Chisago Lakes 148

2) Mora 157

3) North Branch 158

4) Princeton 166

5) Foley 168

6) STMA 169

7) Milaca 173

8) Big Lake 173

9) Pine City 181

Individual Medalist:

Erik Helgerson, CL 35

Wildcat Individual Scores

Erik Helgerson 35

Jordan Hawkinson 37

Josh Angrimson 38

Mike Tschida 38

Joe Stafne 42

Trent Froberg 44

North Branch Results:

Tyler Leland 36

Nick Lindberg 40

Tom Koep 41

Tony Beaver 41

Bryan Peters 43

Darrin May 45

Final Rum River Conference Standings

1) Chisago Lakes 31

2) Mora 29

3) Princeton 22

4) North Branch 20

5) Foley 13

6) STMA 10

7) Big Lake 9

8) Milaca 8

9) Pine City 2

nbgolfNote: Rum River All-Conference team will be announced this week.

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