HARTFORD — Barring a catastrophic collapse next Wednesday, Beaver Dam will be the 2008 Little Ten boys golf champions.
The Golden Beavers shot a 159 at Erin Hills to clobber West Bend West by 10 strokes. BD has given itself a substantial seven-point cushion over Hartford and a 10-point gap on Oconomowoc heading into the 18-hole finale.
"We took care of business rather than leave it to the 18-hole meet," Beaver Dam coach Bob McIntyre said. "It gives us some breathing room.
"It's jubilation, I guess."
In other words, Hartford has to finish four places ahead of BD and the Raccoons have to finish six spots in front of the Beavers. Considering the Orioles have only won one meet and BD has only finished less than second place once (a third), BD's title bid appears to be a formality.
"I'm so proud of the way our kids stepped up to the plate," McIntyre said. "It's remarkable.
"That's not an easy course. That's why I'm so proud of our scores."
Erin Hills was named New Course of the Year by Golf Digest in 2007. Ben Brooks took the medal on the par-35 track with a three-over 38 to lead the way.
"Ben's finally realizing his potential," McIntyre said. "That's been huge.
"The kids seemed really focused and obviously we feel good about that. The kids were just ecstatic."
Jon Wise and Tanner Brandsma tied for sixth overall on the day by each firing a 40. Justin Sutter carded a 41 for ninth on the day and Mike Larson shot a 43 that was scratched.
"Our throwaway score was a 43?" McIntyre said. "Our first goal is to win conference and hopefully we can move on from there."
BD increased its position on the individual leaderboard, led by Wise in fourth place overall. Brooks is in seventh, Brandsma ranks eighth and Larson gives the Beavers four of the league's top 11 golfers.
Next up is Wednesday's LTC Meet at Fire Ride Country Club near Grafton. The Beavers will host a Division 1 regional at Old Hickory a week later.
Thursday's LTC Meet
At Erin Hills G.C, par 35
Team scores: Beaver Dam 159, West Bend West 169, Hartford 170, Slinger 171, West Bend East 174, Oconomowoc 175, Wisconsin Lutheran 192, Watertown 199.
Overall standings (7 meets): Beaver Dam 12, Hartford 19, Oconomowoc 22, West Bend West 35, Slinger 34, West Bend East 35, Wisconsin Lutheran 49, Watertown 56.
Beaver Dam: Brooks 38, Wise 40, Brandsma 40, Sutter 41, Larson 43 (scratch).
Medalist: Brooks, BD 38.