The NEC men’s golf team ended a great season by winning the GNAC Championship, finishing in first place out of 8 teams.
“It is an amazing feeling to win the GNAC Conference championship! Also, to do so in our third year of competition is a tremendous feat by these young men,” said Coach Travis Banga.
Coach Banga and All-GNAC First Team honoree, Graham Hassan, both agreed that junior Timothy Carlson, who also earned all GNAC honors this season, was the team’s best leader.
“Timothy Carlson has been my captain, this is his second year now. I think he leads by example by how he handles himself on and off the course. All the team really came together as a team and I think the way they support each other no matter who is in the lineup or not that given day, I think they really celebrate on guy playing well no matter who that guy is. It’s hard to name just one guy, but Tim has been a great leader for us,” Coach Banga said.
“Definitely our Captain, Timmy Carlson, just with his play he leads. I mean he’s our best player and there a lot of things that rub off on a lot of the guys that definitely helps the team out,” Graham said.
Captain Timothy Carlson shared what makes him a leader.
“Confidence, knowledge of the game of golf, and being able to share past experiences with teammates, and the love and passion that I have for the game of golf,” Carlson said.
On Sept. 2, the ‘Grims participated in the Norwich Invitational and recorded the lowest score, giving them their first win at the Norwich Invitational in program history.
On Sept. 10, New England College hosted its second NEC Invitational competing against Keene State College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. The ‘Grims came out with the lowest score and placed first.
”All nine of the team played a huge part in our success this year and to watch them compete and lift the trophy was so wonderful! I’m also truly thankful for my assistant, Ben Stone, who played a huge part in helping this team succeed!” Banga said.
In May, the team will participate in the NCAA Championships. Carlson has a lot of belief in his team to be successful.
“In golf you can’t set expectations for how you want to play. Each player on this team knows how they can play golf, and if we do that, I believe we can go very far,” Carlson said.
“We are all excited for the opportunity to go to NCAA’s in May, and the experience it will be for our team!” Banga said.
