The NIC Sentinel

Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: Sports

NIC golf team members stand for a picture at their home course of Prairie Falls.

The men's and women's golf teams traveled to Lewiston March 17 to 18 to play in the Lewis and Clark State College Invitational at the Clarkston Country Club.

Coach Randy Boswell said his teams struggled because of their practicing options due to the snow in the area.

"None of the kids have had the chance to putt," Boswell said. "The greens were extremely fast. Not only were the greens fast but they were small."

Men team members Nick Bjurstrom and Matt Kilbourne both improved 13 strokes between the two days. Boswell said he was encouraged by the improvement.

"I was proud of them," Boswell said. "They went out and competed."

The tournament featured Whitworth as well as the Universities of Calgary and Alberta, both from Canada.

"We were the only two-year school there, so what a great experience," Boswell said.

The LCSC tournament also gave Boswell the chance to network with the four-year Whitworth.

"I talked to the Whitworth coach trying to schedule some events in the future and make some contacts. The Whitworth coach may want some of our kids in the future."

The tournament was held at Clarkston Country Club, a long course. Clarkston CC is more than 6,600 yards. Despite the long yardage, Boswell said his teams were successful in driving the ball.

"They hit the ball pretty well off tee, we got to the green and unfortunately three putted too much."

The format at LCSC was an 18-hole practice round followed by two, scored 18-hole rounds - 36 holes total. Boswell said not all the players were used to that much golf and conditioning was one thing they could work on regardless of the snow.

"I think that some of them, (players), got fatigued. They need to work on conditioning."

The men and women teams will play a tournament hosted by Community Colleges of Spokane at Meadow Wood golf course. Some of the players have played Meadow Wood before.

"It's always helpful to know the course," Boswell said. "There are not a lot of blind shots so that helps."

Of the players on the women's team, none played golf as a high school sport. One of those team members is Lindsey Wimette. Wimette is a freshmen guard for the NIC basketball team. Boswell said although Wimette didn't play for her high school team, she golfed with her family.

"After practice one day she decided to hit some balls. Her dad, I think, was more excited about her playing than she was," Boswell said.

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