Golfers from Holy Cross University set foot on the course once more for another season of competition.
The Holy Cross men's golf team recently participated in the Bucknell Invitational, with standout performances from key players Nolan Schuermann and Matt Williams. Schuermann led the Crusaders, finishing an impressive 10th place.
Nolan Schuermann, a sophomore, has been a consistent force for the team. Despite not having a swing coach to guide him, Schuermann has learned to identify and fix golf problems on his own. This self-reliance paid off during the 2023 Patriot League Championship, where he placed 10th overall, playing in each of the team's 27 rounds.
Schuermann's journey with the team began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he committed to Holy Cross without ever setting foot on the campus. His freshman year was challenging, with struggles in the spring, but he has since bounced back and become a vital member of the team.
Matt Williams, another key player, started playing golf at the age of 12. Recruited by head coach Steve Napoli during his senior year of high school, Williams committed to Holy Cross and has been a valuable addition to the team ever since. Last season, he played in 20 rounds and led the team at the Lehigh Invitational with a 14th place finish.
Williams has been focusing on his short game to improve his skills, and he has also been ensuring that the freshmen feel welcome and included. Each of the team's three freshmen - Alex Elia, Thomas O'Neill, and Ryan Scollins - played in a tournament last fall.
Coach Napoli, who also leads the women's golf team, believes the team has the depth to win the Patriot League Championship. He has been guiding Schuermann, Williams, and the rest of the team, helping them to grow and improve.
The team's expectations for the season are high, with the expectation of a Patriot League title. Schuermann and Williams have been helping to guide and lead the team of primarily underclassmen, using their experience and skills to help the team reach its goals.
The Holy Cross men's golf team also participated in the Savannah Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, but the results do not provide information about which player represented the team. Regardless, the team continues to work hard and focus on academics and weight room leadership for the team.
As the season progresses, the Holy Cross men's golf team looks poised to make a strong run for the Patriot League title. With the leadership of Schuermann and Williams, and the hard work of the team, they are well on their way to achieving their goals.
