LAKE FOREST - The Carthage College men's golf team secured a fifth-place finish at the Forester Spring Invite, hosted by Lake Forest. The Firebirds scored two back-to-back 294 over two days for a total of 588 (+12). Nick Barry led the Firebirds in fifth place, individually. 


Nick Barry led the Firebirds, carding rounds of 70 and 72 for a total score of 142 (-2) and placing fifth. In 17th place, Brett Vandergrift scored 69 and 78 for a total score of 147 (+3). James Tyrrell scored 149 (+5) with rounds of 78 and 71 for a 25th place finish. Tying in 34th place, Logan Westman scored 77 and 73 for a total of 150 (+6). Rounding out the Firebirds, Tayt Hager placed 74th and carded 79 and 78 for a total of 157 (+13). 

Individually, the Firebirds had three Birds compete. James Trachsel tied in 34th place with a total of 150 (+6), and rounds of 72 and 78. Conor Fayard placed 81st, carding rounds of 76 and 83 for a total score of 159 (+15). In 95th place, Rylan Frazer carded rounds of 85 and 79 for a total score of 164 (+20). 


"Overall, this was our best two-day tournament of both the fall and spring seasons," said head coach Jay Christiansen. "Shooting 6 over par 294 on back-to-back days, in tough conditions, is a great sign that we are starting to mature as competitors. We don't lack talent, we don't lack skill, and we don't lack high-level golf knowledge, but what we lack is confidence in our ability to beat the best. When you don't quite believe, it is tough to come out and perform at a high level for five hours on one day, grab some dinner, get some sleep, get up very early, and come out and do it again for five highly competitive hours the very next day, especially in tough spring weather. Over those 10 hours, there are simply so many instances where doubt can creep in. We have played plenty of tournaments where we are very good one day, but simply can't sustain it. This time, we took the next step, we showed we are maturing as college-level competitors, and that we are starting to believe. On day 1, it was the Brett and Nick story, while everyone else played okay, but were trying hard to find their groove. Those two were awesome. Then on day 2, Nick plays at a very high level again, while both James and Logan find their confidence and step way up. Overall, we all stayed very positive, played with great attitudes, enjoyed the grind, and played with the mentality we are trying hard to replicate every swing, every hole, every round. What we found this weekend was simply the next step in our growth, but it took us a little while to get this one. We will see how soon we can find the next step."


The Firebirds will be back in action on Monday, April 20, at the Butts Classic, hosted by Millikin.  For more information, visit our athletics.carthage.edu.