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Vincennes University

VU Ties for Third at Region 24 Championship; Kelsey Advances to Nationals

VU Ties for Third at Region 24 Championship; Kelsey Advances to Nationals
Results
April 28, 2026

NORMAL, Ill. — The Vincennes University Men's Golf team closed out its 2025–26 season in a tie for third place at the NJCAA Region 24 Championship, held April 26–28 at Weibring Golf Club. The Trailblazers posted a three-round total of +64 (311-313-300), finishing in a tie with Parkland College after rallying with their best round of the tournament on the final day.

The tournament format was impacted by weather, as play on Monday was postponed due to rain. Teams completed 18 holes on Sunday before returning to play 36 holes on Tuesday, creating a demanding final day of competition.

"We got off to a great start in the opening round through the first few holes, but we struggled in the middle portions of that round and again in the second round," said NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Dennis Chattin, in his 22nd season. "With the weather delay, we had to come back and play 36 holes in one day, and that second round ended up being our weakest. We were actually gaining ground on second place at one point, but faltered over the final stretch."

Despite the challenges, VU responded with its strongest performance of the tournament in the final round, firing a 300 team score to surge up the standings. "We came back in the final round and played much better," Chattin said. "That 300 was our best round of the event, but we had just dug ourselves a little too deep of a hole earlier."

The highlight of the tournament came from freshman Kollin Kelsey, who delivered his best performance of the season, finishing tied for fifth overall at +8 (76-71-74). His even-par 71 in the second round set the tone for a strong overall tournament. "Kollin had his best tournament of the season," Chattin said. "He played steady golf, and that even-par round really put him in position."

Kelsey's finish was significant beyond placement, as he earned an individual berth to the NJCAA National Championship, becoming the lone player from outside the top two teams to advance.

Sophomore Kadin Gibson added a strong showing, finishing tied for 11th at +16 (76-75-78), while freshman Cameron Chattin placed tied for 16th at +19 (78-81-73), highlighted by a two-over 73 in the final round. Sophomore Landon Gardner finished tied for 19th at +22 (77-82-76), and sophomore Brock Naile rounded out the scoring five with a 30th-place finish at +29 (83-82-77).

As a team, the Trailblazers showed resilience in closing the gap on Parkland during the final round after trailing through the first two days. "Parkland had a lead on us after the first two rounds, but we made a good push and were able to catch them," Chattin said.

The Region 24 Championship concludes the team portion of VU's season, as the Trailblazers finish the year ranked No. 28 in the NJCAA. However, the season will continue for Kelsey, who advances to compete as an individual at the NJCAA National Championship, scheduled for May 19–22 at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Ind.

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