NIACC's Berger wins Graceland Invitational

MARYVILLE, Mo. - For the second straight season, a NIACC men's golfer has won the Graceland Spring Invitational.

NIACC's Bennett Berger shot rounds of 75-73 - 148 to claim individual medalist honors at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course on Saturday. The Trojans' Tim Castle won the 18-hole 2024 Graceland Spring Invitational with a round of 76.

Berger is the 23rd NIACC men's golfer to win an individual title in the Chris Frenz era, which began in 2006.

Southwestern's Elliot Lorentzon, Freddie Muggeridge and Alexander Cordrey tied for second with totals of 153.

NIACC placed fifth in the team standings with rounds of 331-307 - 638. Southwestern CC was the team champion with rounds of 316-298 - 614 and Buena Vista was second with rounds of 317-309 - 626.

NIACC's Garrett Ham tied for fifth with rounds of 78-75 - 153.

"Bennett and Garrett are a solid 1-2 and proved that again (Saturday)," Frenz said. "The top three guys put together solid rounds (Saturday) and overall we showed the fight I thought we would.

"I'm pleased with how we came back from a very tough day (Friday)."

Also for the Trojans, Ashtin Willms shot 86-73 - 159, Gavin Anderson shot 84-84 - 168, Kyler Glenn shot 93-86 - 179 and Brody Frayne shot 92-88 - 180. The 73 by Willms on Saturday tied his career best round.

"Ashtin Willms was fantastic (Saturday) and it was great to see that," Frenz said.

"We have a battle going on for the 4-5 spot and these guys are doing all they can to get there," Frenz said. "They all support each other a lot, but obviously, all want to win."

NIACC's Drew DeGabriele shot 89-80 - 169, Tommy Birdsell shot 87-89 - 176 and Ian Roske shot 89-88 - 177.

NIACC returns to action April 5-6 at the Upper Iowa Invitational at the Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo.