By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington boys varsity golf team demonstrated impressive depth and consistency on Wednesday morning, April 8, as they captured first place at the 16-team DC West Invitational held at The Pines Golf Course. The Badgers posted a team score of 309 to top the field.

Austin Jochum and Reid Thornburg led the way individually, each carding a 74 to finish second and third, respectively. Caleb Clark added a solid 77 for sixth place, while Brady Nichols shot 84 and Kale Lamberty posted an 88. The balanced scoring across the lineup proved decisive in securing the team victory.

Coach Craig Nichols highlighted the collective effort as the key to the win. “What stood out most was our depth and consistency,” he said. “To win a 16-team tournament like the DC West Invitational with a 309, you need multiple guys contributing, and we had that.”

Nichols noted that Jochum and Thornburg set the tone with their strong rounds, while Clark’s contribution was crucial. He praised all of the players for their resilience. “Brady Nichols and Kale Lamberty also battled tough conditions and stayed mentally strong throughout their rounds, which is just as important in a team win like this,” Nichols added. “It was a complete team effort from top to bottom.”

The coach pointed to the back nine as the point where Bennington truly seized control. “On the back 9, I felt like we started to make putts and gain momentum from there,” Nichols explained. “We avoided big numbers and kept putting together solid holes across the lineup. When you have three guys all in the 70s and competing near the top individually, that’s when you can really feel your team making ground.”

With windy conditions challenging players throughout the day, Bennington adjusted its approach effectively. “Being patient and using smart course management, especially with the wind being a factor is important,” Nichols said. “Focus on controlling ball flight, picking conservative targets, and understanding that par is a good score in those conditions. Our guys did a great job of staying disciplined and not letting the wind dictate their mindset.”

Nichols emphasized the mental side of the game in high-pressure tournaments. “Routine and preparation are key,” he noted. “Our guys have a lot of time and experience in competitive situations. These experiences have helped to develop ways to manage moments by focusing on what they can control instead of the outcome.”

Beyond the numbers on the scorecard, the coach expressed pride in his players’ character and sportsmanship. “I’m really proud of how the players supported each other and competed the right way,” Nichols said. “Their attitude and composure, especially in windier conditions, say a lot about their character. They stayed positive, handled adversity well, and represented our program with a lot of class—that’s something we value just as much as the win.”

The victory marks another strong showing for Bennington in the season, showcasing both talent and the intangibles that define successful teams.