Middleton wins Big Eight Conference boys golf tournament by two shots over Janesville Craig

Middleton claimed a Big Eight boys golf championship Friday at Evansville Golf Club on Thursday, outshooting runner-up Janesville Craig 308-310 to take the Big Eight Conference Tournament title.

The Cougars won the dual meet championship in the Big Eight this year behind a consistent varsity lineup led by senior Easton Haworth.

He finished in a tie for fourth Thursday with teammate Wyatt Marshall. Those two had a 4-over round of 76. Alex Falligant took seventh with a 77.

Haworth had a pair of double bogeys on the front nine, but he played the back nine even to stay in contention. Marshall had five bogeys and a birdie on his card.

Nolan Wirtz of Madison Memorial took top medalist honors with an even-par round of 72.

He was 2-over on his front nine before making a pair of birdies and seven pars on the back to get to even on the day.

Middleton’s Dain Johnson took second at 2-over 74, and his teammate Reis Von Ruden was third with a 75.

Janesville Parker finished ninth with a team score of 356. Carson Truesdill and Aidan Gatrel both shot an 88 to co-lead the Vikings.

Both Janesville teams will play at the WIAA Division 1 Monroe Regional at Monroe Golf Course on Tuesday. Teams joining them there include Beloit Memorial, Elkhorn, Fort Atkinson, Milton, Monroe and Watertown. Play is set to begin at 9 a.m.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

At Evansville Golf Club, Evansville; par 72

TEAM SCORES

Middleton 308, Janesville Craig 310, Madison Memorial 318, Verona 328, Madison La Follette 332, Madison West 333, Sun Prairie West 343, Sun Prairie East 345, Janesville Parker 356, Madison East 370

TOP FIVE

1. Nolan Wirtz (MM) 72. 2. Dain Johnson (M) 74. 3. Reis Von Ruden (M) 75. t4. Easton Haworth (JC) 76. t4. Wyatt Marshall (JC) 76.

JANESVILLE TEAM VARSITY SCORES

2. Janesville Craig (310) — t4. Haworth 76. t4. Marshall 76. 7. Alex Falligant 77. t14. Kyle Chrostowski 81. (t32. Owin Lewellin 88.)

9. Janesville Parker (356) — t32. Carson Truesdill 88. t32. Aidan Gatrel 88. 37. Grady Lutterman 89. t40. Noah Herbst 91. (t42. Alan Dezeeuw 92).