Joel Dahmen shares his inspiration

12 Sports THE BENGAL’S PURR Joel Dahmen makes tee-rific winning putt

Dahmen celebrates his PGA tour success on March 28, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Lewiston Tribune.

By Lauren Martin Staff Reporter

Clarkston native Joel Dahmen has recently become a topic of national interest after his winning putt in the final round Joel Dahmen at Corales Golf Course. Despite facing adversity along the way, Dahmen has made the climb from Mackenzie Tour player to PGA professional. Below are his responses to a recent interview with The Bengal’s Purr: The Bengal’s Purr: What made you want to become a professional golfer? Joel Dahmen: It always felt like it’s what I was supposed to do. I always knew I was good, and I never really wanted a “real job.” Purr: What challenges have you faced during your career? Dahmen: Losing my mom to cancer in high school was a big one for me. Then, me and my brother both getting cancer was also a hurdle we had to overcome. Purr: What kept you going through these hard times? Dahmen: My (now) wife, Lona is who got me motivated to get back out and try to do something with my life. I was playing bad golf, and was really down on life. She kind of kicked me in the pants to do something and stop feeling sorry for myself. Purr: Can you describe your experience the moment you won? Dahmen: It was pretty emotional. I was really nervous on the last hole, but I handled it really well. I think the emotion that came out of me was just a culmination of everything that happened to get to this point. Purr: Did you think you would make it this far as a professional golfer? Why? Dahmen: You always have doubts when things aren’t going well, but I knew if I could get to the PGA Tour I would be able to stay out here. I guess deep down the answer is “yes,” but sometimes it’s really hard. Purr: How would you describe the support you received from friends and family throughout your career? Dahmen: It’s been huge. I have a really good team around me, and my friends are incredible. My family and my coaches are all people I trust very much, and they want the best for me. Having them behind me, makes things much easier.

Geno Bonnalie celebrates successful team effort

By Lauren Martin Staff Reporter

Despite facing adversity throughout his career, Geno Bonnalie, longtime friend and caddie Joel Dahmen, consistently believed in his partner’s talent throughout the years. His loyalty has reccently paid off big time with a win on the PGA tour. Below are his responses to an interview with The Bengal’s Purr:

The Bengal’s Purr: How long have you been friends with Joel Dahmen? Geno Bonnalie: I’d say we’ve been good friends for 14ish years, but we hung out occasionally for the last 20 years Purr: What made you believe in his talent? Bonnalie: He was always incredible. He was one of those people who you can watch and just know, “That guy’s got it.” Purr: What has been your experience working together? Bonnalie: Amazing. We have an awesome relationship, and we have a lot of fun together. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make sure he succeeds Purr: What challenges have you faced as a team? Bonnalie: Losing our cars after our rookie year, and trying to get it back during the playoffs was very stressful. But he played well when he needed to and got his card back. From then on, it’s been pretty smooth sailing. Purr: Can you describe your experience the moment you won? Bonnalie: Pure joy. I cried like a baby. I don’t even know where it came from. I was totally fine, and then it just hit me. Purr: Did you think you would make it this far as a team? Bonnalie: To me, there was never a doubt. I knew it was going to take some time, but I absolutely knew he would be where he is today. In fact, I don’t think we’ve seen anywhere near the Joel Dahmen we will see in the future. He’s going to continue to move up in the world, and he will absolutely win more tournaments. I can’t wait to be part of it.

LHS athletes place in track, tennis

By Rylie Reagan Sports Editor Track and Field, Girls Placers

• High jump: Second place, Jennah Carpenter, 5-2 • Long jump: Fourth place, Jennah Carpenter, 17-5 ¼ • Discus: Seventh, Annika Huff, 111-00 • 400 sprint: Eighth, Emily Collins, 1:00.55 • 110 hurdles: Second, Madigan Kelly, 15.19 • 300 hurdles: Second, Madigan Kelly, 46.91 • 400 x 1 relay: Eighth, Lewiston (Kelly, Carpenter, Beeler, Earl), 52.97

Track and Field, Boys Placers

• Shot put- 9th, Thor Kesinger 46-06.00 • Discus- 4th, Thor Kessinger 143-09

By Chayton Brewer-Burgin Features Editor

The LHS tennis team performed well this year, making it to state-level competition, with three days dedicated to the sport. The group left Lewiston May 20 and returned May 22. Austin Gomez placed fourth overall and made it to the second day. Ryann Finch and Morgan Moran as a duo also made it to the second day, along with Rylei Carper.