ROCKFORD — The Carthage College men's golf team returned to action at the 2026 CCIW Championships, hosted by Millikin at Aldeen Golf Club. The Firebirds finished fourth overall with a three-round total of 914 (+50), carding rounds of 314, 294, and 306. Nick Barry led Carthage individually with a fourth-place finish, while both Barry (First Team) and Tayt Hager (Second Team) earned All-Conference honors for their performances at the Championships. Additionally, Ryan Jermier earned the RESPECT Award for the Firebirds. 


DAY ONE
The Firebirds opened the first round of the 2026 CCIW Championships in sixth place, posting a team score of 314 (+26). Illinois Wesleyan set the pace atop the leaderboard, with North Park and Augustana in second and third, respectively.

Hager and Barry led the way for the Firebirds, each carding a 77 (+5) to tie for 16th place. James Tyrrell followed in 20th with a 78 (+6). Brett Vandergrift recorded an 82 (+10) to place 36th, while Ethan Frasch rounded out the lineup with an 83 (+11), finishing 40th.

DAY TWO
The Firebirds surged up four spots in the team standings during round two, carding a 294 to finish tied for second place overall with a two-round total of 608. Millikin matched Carthage for second, while Illinois Wesleyan remained in the top spot heading into the final round.

Leading the charge for the Firebirds, Barry climbed nine spots on the leaderboard after firing a second-round 73 (+1) to finish seventh overall. Hager also made a strong move, jumping seven places with a round of 74 (+2) to place ninth. Vandergrift posted one of the best rounds of the day for Carthage, vaulting 19 spots after shooting a 71 (-1) to finish 17th. Tyrrell carded a 76 (+4) and finished in 20th place, while Frasch rounded out the lineup by moving up six spots with a 77 (+5) to place 34th overall.

DAY THREE
On the final day of play, the Firebirds slipped two spots to finish fourth at the Championships. Carthage carded a final-round 306 (+18), finishing just one stroke behind third place Millikin. Augustana secured second place, while Illinois Wesleyan maintained its lead to claim the team title.

Barry paced the Firebirds with a final-round 71 (-1), finishing fourth overall with a three-round total of 221 (+5) to earn All-Conference honors. Hager also earned All-Conference recognition, tying for 12th place after shooting a 76 (+4) in the final round for a tournament total of 227 (+11). Vandergrift tied for 24th place with a final-round 81 (+9) and a three-day total of 234 (+18). Tyrrell placed 31st after carding an 83 (+11) for a tournament total of 237 (+21). Rounding out the Firebirds lineup, Frasch shot a 78 (+6) on the final day to finish 35th overall with a total score of 238 (+22).