West Allegheny's Nico Ward continues impressive year with WPIAL title

BELL ACRES — Throughout the past six months, West Allegheny High School boys golfer Nico Ward has been on an incredible run.

From being one step away from qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Open to tying a course record during the high school golf season, Ward has had a year to remember for someone who is only a junior in high school.

At the WPIAL 3A boys high school golf championships on Monday, Oct. 5 at Sewickley Heights Golf Club, Ward's impressive year continued, capturing gold for the first time in his career.

"I just hung in there all day, didn't make many mistakes and played bogey-free golf," Ward said. "I knew that if I could continue to apply pressure throughout the round, everything would work out."

See the best shots from the WPIAL high school golf championships

The win for Ward marks just the third individual champion to come from West Allegheny, joining Harry Hamilton (1968) and Mike Phillips (1970-71).

Coming into the final round four shots off the lead, the junior needed just two birdies to win the title, finishing by carding a 70 (-2).

"I knew that I had to come out today, play solid and not make any stupid mistakes," Ward said. "I was hitting fairways and greens pretty much all day and giving myself birdie looks, so I am proud of myself for that."

As Ward wrapped up his WPIAL individual season and now sets his sights on the PIAA golf championships, he has had one of the more unique runs that a high school golfer could have.

Back in the spring, Ward's year began at the U.S. Open qualifying on May 12 at Weymouth Country Club in Medina, OH, surviving a five-hole playoff and finishing birdie-birdie to card a 69.

With that score, the junior went on to play on golf's longest day, finishing +5 at Springfield Country Club in June.

Ward pulled back on his experience playing alongside some of the world's best golfers as he was competing for gold in the WPIAL's final round to help him capture gold.

"The U.S. Open pins were unreal. Some were in some diabolical spots, so to come out here and face some dicey pin locations, it wasn't so bad compared to what I was used to playing," Ward said.

The momentum that Ward gained from participating in U.S. Open qualifying carried into the high school season as he and his West Allegheny teammates rolled through section play.

With Ward leading the way as the team's top golfer in the lineup, West Allegheny captured its first section title since 2010, posting an 11-1 mark, with its lone section loss coming against Moon Area.

The trio of golfers consisting of Ward, fellow junior Levi Vaughn and sophomore Ethan Bobonski have all had impressive seasons, with the trio qualifying for the WPIAL championships, with Ward (-1), Bobonski (+12) and Vaughn (+12) all qualifying for states.

"We've got a great group of guys out there this year," Ward said. "I couldn't ask for much more; I hope we can make it to the WPIAL and PIAA team championships."

Along with helping the team capture its first title in 16 years, Ward has also had his fair share of individual success, most notably in the lead-up to postseason play.

At the MAC Championships, Ward helped the West Allegheny team capture its third straight title in the event, finishing with a total score of 207 to edge out both Blackhawk and Mars.

The impressive score was spearheaded by Ward, who tied Fox Run's course record, posting a 64 (-8).

"I had no idea what the course record was there until I looked on their website late in the round," Ward said. "It was a great experience, birding the last hole to tie the record."

Now, Ward will be competing at the PIAA golf championships at Penn State's White Course on Monday, Oct. 19.

After finishing sixth overall as a sophomore, Ward will be aiming to add one more accolade to his resume as his high school golf season comes to a close.

"I couldn't ask for a better junior career than this," Ward said. "I hope that I can continue to keep all this success rolling."

Beaver Valley 3A WPIAL Golf Championship Results (Top 13 Advance to PIAA Championships)

Astrick denotes PIAA Championship alternate

T-11. Ethan Bobonski, West Allegheny (+12)

Ethan Morrison is the sports reporter for the Beaver County Times. Contact him at emorrison@usatodayco.com and follow him at EthanMorrison26 on X.