The Two Harbors boys golf program closed out May with a milestone that speaks to both consistency and momentum. The Agates secured back-to-back East Range Conference titles on May 21 at Lakeview National, repeating as champions in a seven‑team field that included Greenway‑Nashwauk‑Keewatin, Mesabi East, International Falls, NE Range‑Ely, Northwoods, and Stella Maris Academy.
Sophomore Vaughn Christiansen led the Agates as medalist, with freshman Gordon Goutermont placing fifth. Senior captain Josh Johnson and sophomore Axel Morsette completed the scoring to lock in the repeat. The title capped a spring marked by steady results, including second‑place finishes at Swan Lake, the Mesabi East Invite, and the Iron Range Conference Championship.
Earlier in the month, the team tied Greenway‑Nashwauk‑Keewatin for second place at the Iron Range Conference Invite on May 13 at Giants Ridge. Goutermont won the individual title with a 79 and earned All‑Conference honors for the second straight year, continuing a standout start to his high school career. The varsity roster also included Kale Hackensmith, Jordi Klemmer, Max Mettner, and Liam Christiansen.
For longtime head coach Mike Fitzpatrick, now in his 35th season, the spring’s success reflects both talent and the depth of a program that has grown steadily over the years.
“They both got medalists this year in two different events, which for young kids, that’s not usually something that happens,” Fitzpatrick said. “They’re that good at golf that they’re winning championships already, which is pretty amazing to me.”
Fitzpatrick has watched the program evolve from its early days on a nine‑hole course with a log cabin clubhouse to a modern operation supported by improved facilities, technology, and a growing pool of young golfers. He remembers the early years clearly, but he also sees how the sport has opened up for the next generation.
“The equipment has changed a lot. You get a lot more people that can golf with the better equipment,” he said. “Now all these kids, they got range finders and apps. But it’s just like hunting. You can have all the stuff you want, but you still got to be able to shoot the deer.”
This season also brought new faces to the coaching staff. Scott Larson joined the Two Harbors side, and Eric Berquist coached the Silver Bay boys as part of the cooperative program.
“Both Scott and Eric brought some great knowledge to the program and I’m very grateful to have those guys with us,” Fitzpatrick said.
Section playoffs opened on May 17 at the Quarry at Giants Ridge. Fitzpatrick credited the Lakeview National Golf Course and its staff for their support throughout the spring.
“The Agates Boys team would like to thank Jim McDannold and his staff for hosting our championship. Jim provided free food and beverages to all of the players at the ERC Championship,” the coach said. “Another thanks goes out to Ian Jensen and the groundskeeping staff who had the golf course in excellent shape for the tournament.”
For Fitzpatrick, the repeat title is only part of the story. The other part is the foundation being built by a young roster that continues to develop. With two underclassmen already earning medals and a group of returning players gaining experience, he sees a strong future ahead.
“It’s hope for the future, that’s for sure,” he said.
