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Vincennes University

Experience, Depth Fuel Trailblazer Men’s Golf Expectations

Experience, Depth Fuel Trailblazer Men’s Golf Expectations
August 29, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Men's Golf program enters the 2025–26 season with momentum, experience, and lofty goals after a strong campaign last year that featured national recognition and individual postseason success. Under the guidance of VU Hall of Fame Coach Dennis Chattin, the Trailblazers are poised to take the next step toward national contention.

Momentum From Last Season

VU enjoyed one of its most competitive seasons in recent years, climbing as high as No. 21 in the NJCAA Division II national rankings. The Trailblazers placed fifth at the Region 24 Championships in Springfield, Illinois, led by freshman Landon Gardner, who carded 10 birdies en route to a tie for 12th place. Gardner won a sudden-death playoff over teammate Kadin Gibson to qualify as an individual for the 2025 NJCAA Division II National Championships.

At Nationals, Gardner showcased his resilience, finishing tied for 56th overall against a field of 124 players. Despite battling difficult weather that included rain delays and frost, he closed with a four-round total of 313 (81-77-78-77) to place seventh among individual qualifiers. The Trailblazers' postseason run highlighted both their competitive edge and the promise of a young roster eager to build on the experience.

Experienced Core Returns

That experience carries forward into this season as four of the top five scorers return to anchor the lineup. Coach Chattin sees three returners as especially vital to the Trailblazers' success.

Brock Naile is a proven leader who captured a tournament victory last year and placed inside the top 10 of an elite open tournament in Southern Illinois. Gibson followed his postseason performance with an impressive summer, qualifying for both the Indiana State Amateur and Indiana State Open, where he made the cut, while also advancing to the final 32 in the State Match Play Championship. Gardner adds the perspective of competing at Nationals and qualifying for the Indiana State Amateur this summer, giving the Trailblazers a battle-tested trio at the top of the roster.

As Chattin explained, "These three have really set the tone for what we can accomplish this year. Their summer success and experience at the highest levels will only make them more complete and mature players."

Impactful Freshmen Additions

Complementing the returning core is a freshman class that has already shown it can contribute immediately. Newcomers Cameron Chattin and Zach Trtan both qualified for the season-opening tournaments and bring impressive credentials. Cameron made the cut at both the Indiana State Amateur and State Open, finishing 43rd in a field featuring professionals and Division I golfers, while Trtan arrives as a state high school championship qualifier and two-time regional competitor. The blend of seasoned returners and confident freshmen creates balance in the lineup and raises expectations for team performance across the schedule.

Goals and Key Events

With experience and depth in place, Coach Chattin believes this group has the tools to reach new heights. "With four of our top five scorers returning and a strong freshman class, I feel like we can be a top-10 team in the country," he said. "We expect to win tournaments, compete at the national level, and achieve Academic All-American team status again this year."

That confidence is reinforced by the team's approach to preparation. The Trailblazers are placing greater emphasis on the short game this season, hitting buckets of balls on the range before moving to other shots. "We see players coming in more prepared as they know more will be expected of them this season and they have more drive to compete at the national level knowing that it is within reach," Chattin noted.

The Trailblazers' schedule offers plenty of opportunities to prove themselves, beginning with the Swan Lake Preview this fall — an early test on the site of the National Championship that will feature many of the nation's best teams. Other key events include the Parkland Invitational, a gathering of top Region 24 programs, and VU's home event at Sultan's Run in the spring, a course known for its demanding layout and high-level competition.

Region 24 itself stands as one of the deepest in the NJCAA, with Parkland College, Illinois Central College, and Heartland Community College all finishing inside the national top 10 a year ago. "It will be a dog fight for the top four spots in the region," Chattin said. "But we expect to be right in the middle of that battle."

Building on Chemistry and Camaraderie

Beyond tournament play, the Trailblazers are motivated by their unity and shared expectations. "This group is very close on and off the course," Chattin said. "They've had success last season and this summer, and that's made it a great fit for the incoming freshmen. The most exciting thing is that they expect to be really good. That mindset and camaraderie are what will carry us forward."

With a roster that blends proven experience, fresh talent, and strong team chemistry, the 2025–26 Vincennes University Men's Golf team is ready to make its mark nationally and continue building on a proud Trailblazer tradition.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Golf squad all year long through a number of ways: