Falcon golfers are peaking when it really counts

By: Redd E. Patrick
   The Monroe High School golf team is playing at its best just as the right time.
   Coming off rounds of 215, 220, 214 and 224, the Falcons took on Cardinal McCarrick on Tuesday in the opening round of the GMC Tournament at the Tamarack Golf Course.
   Using five players and counting the top four scores, the Falcons shot a 166 to easily oust McCarrick, which finished with 190. Monroe closed out its regular-season schedule with a 15-1 mark, which is believed to be the best record in school history.
   The victory was also huge because it advanced the fifth-seeded Falcons into the eight-team GMC Tournament, which took place yesterday at the Tamarack Golf Course.
   Needing to beat McCarrick to advance to the GMCT as a team, sophomore Doug Rohrig got things rolling when he eagled the very first hole. A 345-yard, par-4, Rohrig hit a six-iron on his second shot and it traveled 165 yards into the cup. He finished as the medallist with a 38.
   "Doug has just been outstanding for us," coach Pete LoPresti said. "He has shot three rounds in the 30s recently and he’s been our leader."
   Senior Justin Rohrig, the team’s No. 1 player all season who has been battling a recent slump, was next with a 39.
   "Justin has come full circle," LoPresti said. "He shot a 39 on opening day and a 39 in his last match, so hopefully he’s peaking at the right time."
   Freshman Ron Kushner continued his steady play with a 44, while junior Danny Kunigonis shot 45. Freshman Bryan Bailey, whose score did not count, shot 46. Aside from Doug Rohrig’s eagle, Justin Rohrig, Kunigonis and Bailey each shot a birdie.
   "I can’t remember the last time we had to throw out a 46," LoPresti said. "Bryan struggled, but yet he stayed within himself to battle back for a 46. He can shoot better, so hopefully he’ll do so at the GMCs."
   A year ago, Monroe finished seventh at the GMCT. This year, the goal is top four.
   "If we can shoot 166 again or better, we can finish in the top four," LoPresti said. "That’s been our unspoken goal. If we can do that, that means we’ll have knocked off one of the heavyweights in either South Brunswick, South Plainfield, St. Joseph’s or East Brunswick."