More than a champion: A conversation with Hudson Kutchma
WESTFIELD, Ind. — The 2026 season added another remarkable chapter to the tradition of Westfield High School boys golf. The Shamrocks captured the program’s fifth IHSAA State Championship, continuing a standard of excellence built through years of dedication from student-athletes, families, and an outstanding coaching staff.
At the center of this championship season was senior Hudson Kutchma. Along with helping Westfield secure another team title, Hudson captured the 2026 IHSAA Individual State Championship, becoming the latest Shamrock to earn Indiana’s highest individual honor.
Westfield’s success is rooted in a culture that emphasizes hard work, preparation, accountability, and putting the team first. That culture has been developed by Head Coach Josh Bryant and coaches Marc Abriani, Duane Lutz, Joey Cohoat, Chris Wilkes, Chris Bohn, and Charlie Lane. Their commitment to developing young men on and off the golf course has helped establish Westfield as one of the premier boys golf programs in Indiana.
Hudson’s accomplishments extend well beyond the fairways. He is a two-time team state champion, an Indiana All-State golfer, and a qualifier for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. He also excels as a hockey goalie, earning a spot on the NAPHL Top Prospect Team. Throughout his journey, Hudson has remained grounded, always pointing to his family, teammates, coaches, and teachers as the people who have helped him succeed.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Hudson’s championship season, his experience competing in two sports, and what lies ahead.
Hudson’s Accomplishments
- 2026 IHSAA Individual Boys Golf State Champion
- Two-time IHSAA Boys Golf Team State Champion (2025 & 2026)
- 2026 Conference Champion
- Member of the 2024 IHSAA State Runner-Up Team
- 2026 Indiana Boys All-State Golf Team
- Qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship
- NAPHL Top Prospect Team
What did it mean to become the IHSAA Individual State Golf Champion?
Hudson Kutchma: It meant a lot to become the state champion. I told Will Harvey I was coming after him to break his record and win the state championship. Even though I didn’t come close to his record, I’m so happy to have won the individual title. More importantly, winning the team championship meant everything.
As a two-sport athlete, how have golf and hockey helped shape you as a competitor and as a person?
Kutchma: I was very fortunate to play both sports. As a competitor, they’ve taught me not to give up when things don’t go your way. I play goalie in hockey, so if I get scored on or hit a bad shot in golf, you learn to move on. You can’t let one goal or one bad shot get you down.
As a person, they’ve taught me how to be a good teammate. I try to bring the hockey locker room energy to the golf team. I like playing music on the bus and bringing good vibes so we can all play our best.
Do you feel that playing hockey has made you a better golfer? Has golf made you a better hockey player?
Kutchma: Absolutely! I think the two sports go together. Both golf and hockey require patience and focus. In hockey, there are times when the puck is at the other end of the ice. In golf, you spend a lot of time walking between shots or waiting on the group ahead. Staying mentally focused for four hours on the golf course is similar to staying locked in as a hockey goalie.
The workouts I do during hockey season also improve my golf game by increasing distance and keeping me flexible. Most importantly, both sports teach resilience. Goals happen. Bad shots happen. You have to move on.
Looking back on your championship round, what moment stands out the most?
Kutchma: The moment that stands out the most was my second shot on the par-5 18th hole. It was a huge turning point. I could have laid up, hit it out of bounds, come up short in the creek, or go for the green.
Coach Bryant and Coach Abriani got together to figure out what we needed to do to win. They told me I needed to make birdie and to go for it. I hit my 7-wood from about 260 yards and landed it on the front of the green. I then two-putted for birdie.
What’s funny is I hit that same club on the very first hole after I topped my opening drive because I was so nervous.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned through sports?
Kutchma: Have fun and don’t take things too seriously.
Who has had the greatest impact on your success?
Kutchma: So many people. First, I’d have to say my dad. He’s the one who got me into hockey and golf, and he still plays both. My dad, my mom, and even my sister have always been my biggest supporters.
I’ve also had great coaches. Coach Gratz at Indiana Elite has been my hockey coach for the past three years. He played goalie and reminded me every day to show up and be more consistent.
Coach Bryant, Coach Abriani, Coach Lutz, Coach Cohoat, Coach Wilkes, Coach Bohn, and Coach Lane have all played an important role during my time at Westfield. The program is as good as it is because of them. The motto, “Out Work, Out Love,” is something I’ll always carry with me.
I’ve also had great teachers and administrators at Westfield who came to games and matches, helped me with schoolwork when I missed class, and guided me throughout the last four years.
Lastly, I’ve had amazing teammates who have become great friends. Winning championships is special, but doing it with them made it even better.
What advice would you give younger athletes who want to compete in multiple sports?
Kutchma: Play all the sports. Do it! Try new things and have fun. Just remember that no matter which sport you’re playing, you still have to practice and give it 100%.
What are your plans after high school?
Kutchma: I plan to play junior hockey for a year or two before going to college. If you want to play hockey in college, that’s usually the path. I have tryouts with teams in Louisiana and Pennsylvania.
What goals do you have for the future, both in athletics and beyond?
Kutchma: I’d love to play hockey, golf鈥攐r maybe even both鈥攊n college. After that, my dream would be to play in the NHL or on the PGA Tour.
What is one thing people may not know about you outside of sports?
Kutchma: I was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, and lived in Richmond, Virginia, and Denver, Colorado, before moving to Westfield in second grade.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that has helped guide you?
Kutchma: “Great moments are born from great opportunities.” 鈥� Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.
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