By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Niles took advantage of hosting the SMAC golf meet Monday by winning the meet to increase its Western Division lead.
Despite a slow start, Vikings' coach Greg Gunder said, Niles came on strong in the end to seal the victory.
The Vikings were led by senior Ben Landgraf, who shot a 40 to earn medalist honors. His score was two strokes better than any opposing golfer.
Landgraf's low mark increased his lead for overall lowest score in the Western Division.
D.J. Wolnick was right behind Landgraf with a 41, followed by Chris Haas' 43 and Jeff Jurgonski's 45.
The Vikings finished with a 167 to edge by Lakeshore at 172 and St. Joseph at 176.
With the victory, Niles gained two points in the division standings to open up a four-point lead with one match left in the season. Lakeshore is in second, followed by St. Joseph nine points back.
The final SMAC meet of the season is Monday at St. Joseph. If Niles wins or finishes second, it will win the division. Should Lakeshore win and Niles finish third, the two will tie for the division championship.
In Monday's junior varsity meet, Niles finished third behind first place Dowagiac. Jordan Hendricks led the Vikings with a 44, followed by Nick Horn and Jared Kabara with 46s, Derrik Matlock shot a 47, Zach Bloss shot a 48 and Warren Simpson shot a 49.
JV in BH, Jordan Hendricks 44, Nick Horn 46, Jared Kabara 46, Derrik Matlock 47, Zach Bloss 48, Warren Simpson 49. Close match. St. J kid shot 39. Dow 181, St. 182, Niles 183. Horn hole in one on hole eight. Lost in shadows. Looked all over, checked the cup.
We won. Won by five strokes, scores exceptionally hihgh. Kids felt some pressure, felt had to win this one. Nervous jitters. Once settled in, got playing, came back. Praised forhanging in there, showing some metnal strength, coming back playing better. In Western Div. one more match. Monday at Oaks, westn SMAC Champion. If first or second, we're conference champions. Just a tie. Ben No. 1 overal in West. DJ Wolnick shot at top 10, maybe Jurgonski. thanks to mothers that support us, water for al 30 players, snack bag to take hunger pangs away. Afterwards, handing out food to all 30 kids. Touch of class, try to make feel welcome. Even though tough course, kids like coming down. Hard fought match, tough. Jurgonski had 13 putts in 9 holes. All struggled, all worked hard around the greens. Got up close, put it in. Luckily cameout on top at St. Joe.