Sophomore Josh Herzog is already raising the bar for the Detroit Lakes boys' golf team.
The brother of University of Minnesota Golden Gopher women's golf recruit -- and DLHS senior -- Christine Herzog, Josh has already hit the fast track on the 2006 Laker boys' season.
Herzog finished second overall in the prestigious U of M boys' golf tournament over the weekend, shooting a 75-69-144, one stroke behind medalist Cameron White of Wayzata.
"Josh just played fantastic," said DL head coach Bob Gorden. "He's earned it because he's put in a lot of hard work (in the summer) and has matured a lot since last season."
Herzog's finish at the U of M comes closely behind his medalist honors in the season-opener at Wildflower last week Wednesday. He continued his consistent play Monday at the Alexandria meet, carding a 73 for third place, one behind Alexandria's Bryce Hanstad and Jack Dressen.
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The Laker squad is reflecting Herzog's searing start after finishing a team all-time best seventh in the U of M tourney, with a combined score of 620. DL played well Friday, shooting a 305 to earn third-place honors and a chance to play in the last group along with eventual champion Woodbury (597) and section rival Alexandria (603).
"We usually finish in 13th to 15th place, so this was a great place," Gorden said. "We wanted to place in the top five and felt we could have if it wasn't for a couple of bad holes on the second day.
"But now our kids know they can play with anyone in the state, because that tournament is one of the most competitive in the state during the season."
Ben Bergquist shot a 74 the first day, then dropped off a little Saturday with a 79 for a total 153. Adam Thielen followed suit, carding a 75 the first day, but had an 86 the second for a final 161.
Mike Brodsho and Mike Roll rounded out DL's card with a 164 and 168, respectively.
"This team is realizing they are not playing their best yet, and they still get as good as anybody in the section," Gorden said.
DL finished third in Alexandria Monday, following the home team Cardinals at 296 and section team Moorhead at 313. Brodsho was second low man on the DL team, behind Herzog with an 80. He was followed by Bergquist with an 85, Mox Gunderson with an 84 and Roll at 87.
"We still need to get down in the 70s," Gorden said. "Alexandria had all six of their guys in the 70s, and we are capable of doing that."
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The Lakers will have a qualifying day Thursday instead of competing in the meet in Coon Rapids. There will be up to 12 golfers in the mix, vying for six openings for the Perham Invite at Lakeside Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
Laker results
Detroit Lakes at the University of Minnesota Invite, Friday-Saturday, April 14-15.
Team results (top 7 of 22): Woodbury 301-296-597; Alexandria 295-308-603; Eastview 311-301-612; Mahtomedi 308-307-615; Wayzata 312-304-617; White Bear Lake 308-309-617; Detroit Lakes 305-315-620.
Top four individuals: Cameron White (Wayz) 143, Josh Herzog (DL) 144, Bean Anderson (Park Cottage Grove) 144, Tim Bomgier (Woodbury) 144.
DL individual results: Josh Herzog 75-69-144; Ben Bergquist 74-79-153; Adam Thielen 75-86-161; Mike Brodsho 83-81-164; Mike Roll 91-87-168.
Detroit Lakes at Alexandria Invite, Monday, April 17.
Team results (top 5 of 20): Alexandria 296, Moorhead 313, Detroit Lakes 321, Brainerd 321, Owatonna 124.
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All-Tournament team: Bryce Hanstad (Alex) 72, Jack Dressen (Alex) 72, Josh Herzog (DL) 73, Aaron Wheeler (Mhd) 76, Brock Buckelleup (Mhd) 76, Tyler Whiting (Alex) 76, Will Harris (Alex) 76.
DL individual results: Herzog 73, Brodsho 80, Bergquist 84, Mox Gunderson 84, Mike Roll 87.
