Panthers earn Wiese Invite title

ELKHART LAKE – Plymouth, led by medalist Geno Kiela and runner-up Jon Criter, won the Division 1 crown in Friday’s C.J. Wiese Invitational boys golf tournament with an outstanding performance in tough conditions.

Battling cold, rainy conditions, the Panther shot 324 in the 18-hole meet at the Quit Qui Oc Golf Club. The score led the entire three-division tourney. Mukownago finished second in Division 1 with 339.

Kiela shot a 75 on the par-71 course, including a par-36 on the back nine. The junior was the overall runner-up in the tourney – one stroke behind Kiel’s Brandon Gries who shot a 74 in Division 2. Criter, a senior, carded a 77, led by a 38 on the back nine.

The Panthers’ other low players were Marcus Gamoke with an 82 and Ryan Klecka, 90. Gamoke took fourth in Division 1.

“We played very well, considering the conditions on Friday,” said Panther head coach Dan Knaus.

“Geno and Jon had outstanding days for us with a 75 and 77, respectively. Marcus Gamoke also had a very solid 82 to help us win the title.

“We had a solid team score on a rainy, cold day, and we were one score away from it being an unbelievable score. We are starting to play at the level we need to if we want to obtain our season goals,” Knaus said.

The host Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Resorters placed third in the Division 3 field with 346. Sophomore Tom Pritzl paced Elkhart with an 83 for sixth place. Manitowoc Roncalli captured first with 326, led by medalist Cody Pitz who shot a 76.

Also scoring for the Resorters were Myles Galloway with an 85, Kyle Rentmeester, 87 and Neven Grgic, 91.

“We had a great invite, considering the weather conditions. You have to be physically and mentally tough to play well in those conditions, and obviously the kids answered the bell,” said Resorter head coach Bart Larson.

“Tommy Pritzl’s score was a pleasant surprise, and Kyle as well.”

Sheboygan Lutheran took second in the Division 3 meet with 345. Lutheran, the 2009 champion, was paced by Reid Schmideler who was second with an 82.

Kiel earned the Division 2 title with 330, followed by Campbellsport at 344 and Sheboygan Falls, 345. Nick Roelse and Tyler Pate led Falls with 84s.