Earlham Echo

May 26, 2026

With the boys’ and girls’ teams qualifying for the state tournament last week, the Earlham Cardinals are officially a golf power. This year marks the first time that both Earlham teams have qualified for state, and the Cards are one of only six teams in all classes to send both teams this year. The Cardinal boys qualified for the second year in a row and the third time in school history. The girls are going to state for the first time ever.

The Cardinal boys play Tuesday and Wednesday in Newton and the girls play Thursday and Friday in Boone. That’s a busy schedule for everybody.

“It’s a lot of planning and preparation, but it’s a great problem to have,” said Coach Howard. “I’m so excited to see what these golfers can do, and how Coach Williamson and I can prepare them. I want to thank Mr. Lord, Dr. Sheffield, Dr. Kaster, Coach Williamson, Sue Coon, the parents and guardians, the fans, and ECAB. Without them, this accomplishment isn’t possible. And most importantly, I want to thank the players. If it wasn’t for their hard work, determination, energy, and dedication, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.” 

Boys

The Cardinals needed a top 3 finish at the district meet in Fort Dodge on May 18 to qualify for the state tournament. The Cards got it done by finishing 3^rd, just 1 stroke behind Gladbrook-Reinbeck and Coon Rapids-Bayard, who tied for 1st. Earlham finished 5 strokes ahead of 4^th-place AGWSR.

“The boys know that the key to the postseason is just survive and advance,” said Coach Howard, “and once we get to state, it is anybody’s game.”

The Cards were led by super sophs Will Harris and Blaine Vanderheiden, who both shot 74 to tie with Blaine Irvine of Don Bosco for the individual top spot. Harris rolled in a long birdie putt on the first playoff hole to take 1^st place.

Seniors Konnar Stiles and Brodie Hamilton both carded 84 to complete the scoring. Colton Nixt, 86, and Bishop Hammen, 92, also competed.

The Class 1A state golf tournament will be Tuesday and Wednesday at Westwood Golf Course in Newton. Other qualifiers are Coon Rapids-Bayard, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, South Winneshiek, Saint Ansgar, Harris-Lake Park, East Marshall, Sigourney, Winfield-Mt. Union, Boyden-Hull, Woodbine, Woodbury Central. The Cardinals are seeded #5.

“We know that we are 100% good enough to compete and win a state title,” said Coach Howard. “We were playing really well at the start of the season and with our tough schedule and tough courses, we hit a little dip in our golf, scores, and confidence. But sectionals really helped us with our confidence. Our goal is to be in that final pairing (teams 1-4) on day 2 and play our best golf of the year when it matters most.” 

Girls

As a team, the Cardinals were off their game a bit at the regional finals at Crestwood Hills in Anita on May 19, but they held on and advanced to the state tournament in Boone this week.

The Cards needed to finish in the top 2 to advance, and they found themselves embroiled in a tense 4-team battle for 2nd. The match came down to the final hole, but the Cards edged West Monona by 1 stroke to capture 2^nd place and a trip to state.

“Overall, I didn’t think we played the best,” said Coach Howard. “We struggled at the start to calm our nerves. The girls knew the expectations and goals that they had and they knew that it was okay to be nervous. Once we got through our first 3 or 4 holes, we were in 3rd place and we knew that once we got ‘settled in’ we would be OK. We were able to save some really good pars.”

The Class 1A state golf tournament will be Thursday and Friday at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone. Other qualifiers are BCLUW, Bishop Garrigan, Easton Valley, Highland, Mount Ayr, Newman Catholic, South O’Brien, South Winneshiek, Westwood. The Cardinals are seeded 6^th.

“Making it to state for the first time in school history is something to be extremely proud of,” said Coach Howard. “The smiles, the laughter, and tears of joy was something that I’ll never forget. At state, as they walk in with the confidence and belief that they can bring home a trophy, we will be fighting to be one of the best teams in the state.”