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Vincennes University

Naile Leads Trailblazers to Third-Place Finish

Naile Leads Trailblazers to Third-Place Finish
October 8, 2025

FARMINGTON, Mo. – The Vincennes University Men's Golf team delivered another strong showing to close out a busy stretch of competition, finishing tied for third at the Mineral Area College Fall Invitational, played Wednesday at Crown Pointe Golf Club. The Trailblazers, who are receiving votes in the latest Bushnell/Golfweek NJCAA Division II Coaches Poll, posted rounds of 301 and 297 for a two-day total of 598 (+22), matching John A. Logan for third in the eight-team field. Southwestern Illinois College claimed the team title at +7, while Mineral Area's Red team used a late surge on their home course to take second at +17.

Sophomore Brock Naile led the way for Vincennes, finishing tied for fourth overall with rounds of 70 (–2) and 73 (+1) for a 1-under 143 total. "Brock is such a steady player and a great competitor," said Head Coach Dennis Chattin. "He handled a tough, undulating set of greens well. He had several good looks at birdie that just didn't fall, but he continues to play at a very high level."

Sophomore Matthew Mills responded impressively after a tough outing at the MWAC Championship earlier in the week, finishing tied for sixth with rounds of 71 (-1) and 73 (+1). "Matthew bounced back the right way," Chattin said. "Golf's a funny game — sometimes it's just about finding a course that fits your eye. We took a little pressure off him by having him play as an individual, and he almost went out and won the tournament. I was very happy for him."

Sophomore Landon Gardner (73–76, +5) tied for 13th, while freshman Zach Trtan followed closely behind in 15th with rounds of 77–73 (+6). Sophomore Parker Steininger (82–75, +13) and freshman Kollin Kelsey (81–78, +15) rounded out the Trailblazer scoring.

Chattin credited his team for staying composed on a demanding layout. "Throughout the final day we were anywhere from second to fourth, but Mineral Area's home-course familiarity made the difference late," he said. "I told our guys that one shot out of nearly 600 can separate you in these tournaments. That's the kind of detail we'll need to tighten up if we want to be one of the top teams in the region and qualify for nationals."

With top players Cameron Chattin and Kadin Gibson still away competing in the Golfweek 'Put Me In Coach' Invitational, hosted by Ball State University, the event also gave other Blazers valuable experience. "It was a great opportunity for a few of our guys to step up," Chattin added. "Our region is strong, and these events are all part of the process of becoming a top team."

Following the tournament, Chattin emphasized the importance of recovery and focus as the team heads into fall break. "The guys have been playing since March, so a little reset is important," he said. "They'll get some time off, but knowing this group, I'm sure most of them already have rounds planned on their off days. I told them, in golf and in life, successful people do what others aren't willing to do — and this group lives by that."

The Trailblazers return to action in their final event of the fall, competing in the Cobra Fall Classic, hosted by Parkland College October 20–21 at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club in Champaign, Illinois.

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