BECKER, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran men's golf team won the UMAC Championship Saturday with its 934. The Vikings defeated three-time defending champions UW-Superior by seven strokes.
 
This marked the third UMAC Championship in program history, and first since 2013. Of note, current head coach Josh Pederson, and current assistant coach Andrew Aukes were student-athletes on that squad.
 
With the win, Bethany has qualified for the NCAA Championships May 10-13, 2022 at Mission Inn Resort and Club at Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
 
Senior Nick Hansen (Watertown, SD) was the top Vikings finisher as he placed third with a 228, to earn All-Conference honors. Senior V. Daniel Nitardy (Fort Atkinson, Wis.) and Gabe Stoesz (Waseca, Minn.) also earned All-Conference honors with their fifth and eighth place finishes, respectively.
 
"Thursday's start was so great for us and the guys really fed off of that the rest of the weekend," said Pederson. "We knew we could play with everyone here. Our day one really set the tone for the rest of the tournament."
 
Three Vikings shot 78s in the final round. "Having that consistency was crucial for us," commented Pederson. "The playing conditions were tougher today, so it was a mental grind. They dug deep and found a way to persevere."
 
The team's growth was seen throughout the season by Pederson. "Words can't describe how incredibly proud of them I am and how much they've grown this entire season. They should be very proud of themselves too."
 
This competition took place at Pebble Creek Golf Club.



Team standings
1             Bethany Lutheran                           301 317 316 934
2             North Central University               311 323 306 940
3             UW-Superior                                    307 319 315 941
4             Northwestern                                  318 315 318 951
5             Crown College                                 319 321 328 968  
6             Minnesota - Morris                        338 334 320 992
7             Northland College                          341 320 345 1006
8             Martin Luther College                   335 333 342 1010
 
Bethany's competitors:
3             Nick Hansen                      71 79 78 228
5             V. Daniel Nitardy              74 80 78 232
8             Gabriel Stoesz                   80 77 78 235
T18        Noah Fick                           76 81 87 244
24          Thomas Havnen               83 82 82 247

The complete list of All-Conference honors will be announced Tuesday.