Prior to Wednesday's GSAC Men's Golf Championship Meet at Flanders Valley Golf Course, Coach Guy Davidson indicated his team would fare well if they "fire on all cylinders."
Indeed, the Roadrunner top finishers -- Sam Burek, Jack Wheaton, Logan Perrone, and Freddie Ramos -- collectively turned in their best performances of the season in winning the GSAC crown over County College of Morris by 10 strokes, 340 to 350. The title was the first since the program was restarted, a fact not lost on Coach Davidson.
"This is a moment we are all proud of, and we did this as a team," said Dr. Davidson. "This was a truly special performance today!"
Burek led the way shooting a team low of 82, followed by Wheaton (84), Perrone (84), Ramos (88). Cole Bruner checked in with a 90 as the fifth finisher.
CC Morris turned in its usual competitive match on its home course, paced by Trevor Pedrazzi and Joe Korab with 85 each -- but the Runners' overall depth proved too much on this afternoon.
"On the ride up, we stressed to our men's team that a 350 would not cut it -- but a 340 might get the job done," said Dr. Davidson. "Morris was playing on their home course, and they knew every hole and every inch of the course well. We had to up our game, and sure enough we got 340 on the button."
Burek and Logan Perrone turned in solid efforts on the back end, with Burek registering a 42 and Perrone a solid 39 to help wrap up the team crown.
"Burek shot a 40 on the front end and was struggling on the back end, but he kept his focus on his final holes to finish strong," said Davidson. "Logan Perrone was simply lights out on the back end."
The Roadrunner women also fared well in individual competition, Overall, sophomore Skylar Amoroso finished as women's medalist with 83 while Crystal Johnson was runnerup at 107.
Next up for the Runners will be the Roadrunner Classic on Monday, May 1, at Pitman Golf Club while the Region and National Championship meets loom on the horizon.
Tournament Preview
Roadrunner Golf Coach Dr. Guy Davidson has one advantage on his men's team that most rivals do not have -- plenty of depth. Any one of his top golfers -- Freddie Ramos, Sam Burek, Jack Wheaton, Cole Bruner, Logan Perrone and Shane Maccarone -- are capable of emerging as low scorers against their junior college competition.
"We don't know who will shoot the low scores on a given day," said Davidson. "Our top golfers are all capable of shooting in the 70s when they are firing on all cylinders."
Coach Davidson hopes that will happen in the upcoming postseason competition, including Wednesday's Garden State Athletic Conference Championships at Flanders Valley Golf Course.
In the Men's meet, the Runners will likely engage in a close battle with County College of Morris for the team crown as the two teams have engaged in tough matches throughout the current spring. Should the Runners' top five golfers perform well as a unit, the squad has a solid shot of bringing home the GSAC crown.
"Morris has a slight advantage playing on their home course at Flanders Valley, plus they have a talented No. 1 golfer in Trevor Pedrazzi," said Dr. Davidson, "We will need to rely on our depth to make a run and win the title, and I know we're capable of having a productive meet."
In women's competition, the Roadrunner golfers will be playing for individual honors. Top golfers for Coach Davidson have been Skylar Amoroso, Nancy Davidson, Crystal Johnson, and Alaina Villari.
Check back here for meet results.
Garden State Athletic Conference Championships -- Men's and Women's
April 26, 2023 / 12 Noon
Flanders Valley Golf Course / Flanders, NJ
Participating Teams: Rowan College SJ Gloucester, County College of Morris, Union CC, Ocean CC, Raritan Valley CC, RCSJ Cumberland, Camden CC.
RCSJ Golfers
Men's Team: Freddie Ramos, Jack Wheaton, Sam Burek, Cole Bruner, Logan Perrone Shane Maccarone
Women's Team: Skylar Amoroso, Nancy Davidson, Crystal Johnson, Alaina Villari