Trojans tie for 1st at own invitational, Berger wins
MASON CITY - The NIACC men's golf team tied with Hawkeye CC for the team title Tuesday at the NIACC Spring Invitational at the Legacy Golf Course at the 19.
NIACC and Hawkeye CC both shot team rounds of 288. Iowa Central was third with a team score of 297.
It was the Trojans' first team title since winning the Waldorf Fall Invitational in 2023.
"It was a great day for the Trojans all the way around," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "but it also shows that one stroke can be the difference.
"As a team, we played really well (Tuesday). We finally got the scoring we needed overall and I feel prepared now going into the regional tournament in a week and a half."
NIACC sophomore Bennett Berger was the individual medalist with a career-best round of 65, which is the lowest round in the Frenz era, which started in 2006. The previous best round in the Frenz era was a 67 by Berger at the NIACC Fall Invitational on Sept. 17, 2024.
Tuesday's title for Berger was his second of the spring. Berger also won the Graceland University Spring Invitational on March 28-29.
NIACC freshman Garrett Ham was the runner-up medalist with a career best round of 69, which is tied for the eighth best round in the Frenz era.
"Bennett Berger was outstanding (Tuesday) shooting a 6-under par round of 65," Frenz said. "Garrett Ham was equally as good with a solid 69.
"Those two have been the leaders all season long and to see them have success (Tuesday) was great."
Also for the Trojans on Tuesday, sophomore Tommy Birdsell shot 74, freshman Ashtin Willms shot 80 and freshman Kyler Glenn shot 89.
Playing as individuals for the Trojans, freshman Ian Roske shot 72, freshman Drew DeGabriele shot 80 and freshman Gavin Anderson shot 81.
"Tommy Birdsell was a key contributor (Tuesday) with a 74," Frenz said. "He's been battling some injuries, but I love his fight and determination to get the job done.
"Ian Roske was playing as an individual (Tuesday) but was outstanding."
NIACC plays at the NJCAA North Central District Championships on May 4-6 at the Whispering Creek Golf Course in Sioux City.
"This was a great way to end the regular season," Frenz said. "Now we just need to stay sharp for the regional tournament. I can't wait."
