Marshalltown head boys’ golf coach Lucas Johnson was named the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association Coach of the Year recently, joining Bobcat golfers Cole Davis and Nate Vance as award recipients.

Johnson led Marshalltown to its first state tournament berth as a team since 2003 and first state title since 2002, as the Bobcats won state at the Elmwood Country Club. It’s the first time the event was held at Elmwood since the last Marshalltown team trip in 2003.

A year after missing the state tournament as a team in 2016, the Bobcats took top honors in 11 of 13 competitions this season, finishing in second only at the district meet and the Valley Classic at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny.

Not only did Johnson and the Bobcats win state, but Vance and Davis finished the 36 holes tied for the lead, only for Vance to win a playoff by eagleing the 18th hole.

Johnson has MHS golf still set up for future success, as the Bobcats return four of seven regular varsity golfers from the state title team heading into next season.