Men's golf team from Holy Cross kicks off another season
Holy Cross Men's Golf Team Achieves Best Finish in 24 Years at Patriot League Championship
The Holy Cross men's golf team has made a significant stride in the Patriot League Championship, securing their best finish since 1998. This impressive achievement comes as a result of the efforts of key players, Nolan Schuermann and Matt Williams, and the primarily underclassmen team.
Nolan Schuermann, a standout freshman, played in every round as a sophomore and placed 10th overall at the 2023 Patriot League Championship. Schuermann's impressive performance was evident at the Bucknell Invitational, where he finished 10th to lead all Crusaders.
Schuermann's golfing journey began during his freshman year at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH. However, his freshman year in college was a challenging one, as he struggled in the spring. Despite this setback, Schuermann learned to identify and fix his golf problems independently, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Matt Williams, another promising freshman, did not start playing golf until he was 12 years old. His dedication to the sport is evident in his improvement, particularly in his short game, which he believes has played a crucial role in his development as a player. Williams sent out 10 emails each night in high school, trying to get a college coach to respond and watch him play. It was Holy Cross' director of golf, Steve Napoli, who eventually contacted Matt and convinced him to commit to Holy Cross.
Each of the team's three freshmen - Alex Elia, Thomas O'Neill, and Ryan Scollins - played in a tournament last fall, adding depth and potential to the team. Coach Napoli emphasizes the importance of academics for the team, particularly for the freshmen, ensuring that they maintain a balance between their studies and their sport.
The team's performance at the Savannah Intercollegiate Golf Tournament in Savannah, GA, was not as successful, placing eleventh out of thirteen teams. However, Coach Napoli remains optimistic, believing that the team has the depth to compete and win the Patriot League Championship.
As the season progresses, it is clear that Schuermann and Williams are helping to lead and guide the team, setting an example of hard work and determination for their fellow teammates. Their contributions, along with the efforts of the rest of the team, promise an exciting future for Holy Cross men's golf.
