For Boone Central senior Bryce Morgan, the third time truly was the charm.
Morgan, in his third appearance in a state golf tournament, brought home his first state medal by finishing in a three-way tie for 13th-14th-15th at the 2009 Class C State Championships held over Kearney’s Meadowlark Hills Golf Course May 27-28.
Morgan followed an opening-day 82 with a Thursday round of 77 to finish the tournament at 159. He was one shot off a 12th-place tie and four strokes from the individual top 10.
West Point-Beemer sophomore Richard Schneider won his second straight Class C championship with an impressive 72/71-143. Hartington Cedar Catholic held off a late charge by St. Cecelia to win the team title, 645-647.
Boone Central Coach Jesse Brodersen said his senior stalwart had an excellent tournament, but was “very close” to an even better score and finish. A couple of rough stretches each day set him back.
Despite bad weather through first-day play, Morgan carried and solid round through 16 holes and was looking at a solid score in the 70s before double-bogeying the final two holes.
“Bryce probably didn’t sleep as well Wednesday night as he would have without that finish,” Brodersen said.
Morgan came out with a tenacious start Thursday and stood one-under par through six holes, then bogeyed the seventh, eight and ninth for a 38 on the front nine.
He again rebounded to open the back nine, standing even through the 14th, then finished with four consecutive bogeys for his final 77.
That was good enough to earn a coveted medal and cap an outstanding Cardinal career.
“I’m very proud of Bryce – he did a great job,” Brodersen commented. “I’m happy for him. He has had a great four-year career and I hate to see him go.”
Morgan Brings Home State Golf Medal
