Trinity Academy and Plymouth Capture Historic IHSAA Boys Golf Regional Championships

DEMOTTE — A remarkable day unfolded for two boys golf teams from the South Bend Tribune coverage area on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for both. At Sandy Pines Golf Club, Trinity Academy clinched its inaugural IHSAA regional title in any sport, finishing with a score of 299. This achievement placed them among just eight teams statewide to record a sub-300 regional score. In a parallel triumph, Plymouth also secured its first regional championship at Stonehenge Golf Club with a score of 302. Both teams, despite not winning their respective sectionals last week, are entering next week’s state finals with momentum and confidence.

Trinity’s success was anticipated by many, especially given the efforts of junior Nathan Palmer, who not only contributed to the team's victory but also earned the individual medalist title with a score of 68, tying for the third-best finish in the state. His younger brother, Gabe, a freshman, followed closely with a 74, while junior Dane Sweikar and sophomore John Paul Bernardy added scores of 78 and 79, respectively. Nathan reflected on a defining moment in his round, stating, “I knew I was in store for a special day when I finished my 11th hole with an eagle, clinching it with an approximate 30-foot putt.”

After 45 years, Trinity Academy, formerly Trinity School at Greenlawn and with a student body of 118, now adds a regional championship to its accolades. “It’s the best feeling ever,” Nathan expressed. “We work so hard... This is something we expected to happen.” The Titans finished 11 strokes ahead of second-place Elkhart, which recorded a 310, with sophomore Ben Divido’s 72 being the standout performance for the Lions.

The competition also saw South Bend Saint Joseph advance to the state finals with a score of 316, led by senior Tate Guyton, who shot a 74. The Huskies' success hinged on their fifth player, Max Germann, whose 84 bested Valparaiso’s fifth by 21 strokes, securing their spot in the finals. “Every shot in golf matters,” Guyton noted, highlighting the team’s collaborative spirit.

Plymouth’s path to its first-ever IHSAA boys golf regional title was a close call, as they finished just a stroke ahead of their nearest competitors. The Pilgrims celebrated their historic win with ice cream, and head coach Keith Berndt expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. Four players from Plymouth finished with scores of 77 or lower, showcasing the team's strength. With both Trinity and Plymouth heading to the state finals, this marks the first time since 2008 that four teams from the area will compete together at the state level. “We were just wanting to get to state,” Berndt shared, reflecting on their journey.

The IHSAA state finals are set to take place on June 16-17 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, promising an exciting showdown for these historic teams.