JERRY WOLKOWITZ Colts Neck’s Brad Domenico signs his national letter of intent to play golf at RIder University, while his mother, Kathy Anderson, coach Ron Polakowski (r) and athletic director Richard Kane look on.
It’s the kind of first you would like to be remembered for. Since opening its doors four years ago, building a tradition has been a motto for Colts Neck High School. The newness of the school makes every "first" memorable.
Golfer Brad Domenico added to the impressive list of "firsts" by becoming the Cougars’ first athlete to earn a Division I athletic scholarship. Domenico made it official last week, signing with Rider University, Lawrenceville section of Lawrence Township, where he will continue his golf career.
"I wanted to go Division I because I want the best competition I could have," Domenico said.
A visit to Rider, where he met coach Chet Dalgewicz, was all it took to get him to go to Rider.
"He (Dalgewicz) is the main reason I’m going to Rider. He really cares about his athletes," said Domenico. "I wanted to go where I felt very comfortable, and Rider has a good business school."
With the decision behind him, Domenico can now concentrate on the 2002 scholastic golf season.
"I’m glad that it’s done with," he said. "It still hasn’t hit me yet."
Domenico played a number of sports growing up but said that none of them interested him except golf. At age 13, golf was a priority.
"There’s always something new," he said. "You can never perfect golf, but you always try."
Domenico, a solid all-around player who does everything well, knows Division I will present a whole different level of golf.
"Handling the pressure mentally is most important," Domenico said. "You know the swing will be there, but it’s a whole different league."
Domenico added to Colts Neck’s long list of firsts last year, leading the Cougars to the Group I state championship while he himself won the individual Group I crown. Colts Neck was also first in Central/South Jersey Group I, which got the Cougars to the state championships.