The Alpena High School girls golf team made school history Thursday, winning the Big North Conference championship for the first time in program history at The Spruce Run at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme.
The Wildcats shot 394 to claim the title after Alpena and Traverse City West arrived at the tournament even in the conference standings. The championship capped a season in which Alpena had already won multiple tournaments and continued lowering its scores.
A first championship for Alpena girls golf
Coach Courtney Nunneley said the victory marked the first Big North Conference title in the history of the Alpena girls golf program. Grace Bouchard, Carli Susewitz, Hannah Brownridge and Sammi Silver also received all-conference honors.
“This wouldn't have been possible without Grace Bouchard, Carli Susewitz, Hannah Brownridge and Sammi Silver, Claire Kinzey, and Caroline Robertson,” Nunneley said.
Nunneley credited the full group’s work throughout the season, including Caroline Robertson, who was unable to play Thursday but still influenced the team’s result.
“They have all worked so hard to improve this year.”
The Wildcats entered the championship after winning the Cadillac Invitational one week earlier with a score of 374. Alpena finished that tournament tied with Traverse City West, setting up Thursday’s conference championship as the deciding event.
Key performances helped secure the win
Bouchard, Alpena’s team captain and most consistent scorer, led the Wildcats Thursday with an 86. She also finished second individually at the Cadillac Invitational.
“Grace has been not only a great golfer but an amazing captain that has led us to these amazing achievements,” Nunneley said.
Kinzey, who is in her third year playing golf, moved into the varsity lineup as the season progressed. Nunneley pointed to her development as an example of how sustained work helped the team improve.
“Claire, who has only been playing for three years, is showing us that if you put the work in, you can play at an elite level,” Nunneley said.
The coach also described Susewitz as a player who approaches every practice as unfinished business. Robertson’s absence did not erase her contribution to the championship effort.
“Caroline, even though she wasn't able to come today, has a huge impact on the team and is one of the reasons we were able to win the BNC,” Nunneley said.
Alpena’s next scheduled competition is regionals on Monday, giving the Wildcats an opportunity to continue their historic season after capturing the program’s first BNC crown.