By: Redd E. Patrick
Monroe High School golf coach Pete LoPresti entered his team into last week’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament with realistic expectations.
In the back of his mind, he may have been hoping his team could exceed those expectations, but with lousy playing conditions and a quality field, he’ll accept the results and use the experience to his advantage next season.
With senior Justin Rohrig finishing third with an 80, the Falcons finished in a tie for fifth in the eight-team field by shooting a 352 at the Tamarack Golf Course. Monroe tied with Piscataway, while Old Bridge was fourth with 342, St. Joseph third at 340, East Brunswick second with 339 and South Brunswick first with a 334.
"We did okay, we scored right around what I figured," LoPresti said. "In Middlesex County, it’s tough cracking the top four because South Brunswick, East Brunswick, St. Joseph and South Plainfield are always so tough. A lot of these teams have tournament experience, which helps them this time of year. That’s something we’re getting more and more experience with."
Justin Rohrig shot 42 on his front nine, then came in with 38 to finish third overall among the field of close to 80 golfers. Defending champion Dave Scalamonti of Old Bridge won the event with an incredible even-par 72, while Chris Osborne of North Brunswick was runner-up with a 79.
"When Justin came in, I thought he had a shot to win it," LoPresti said. "The conditions were very tough, so his 80 was looking pretty good. Scalamonti’s score really surprised me."
Doug Rohrig, a sophomore, shot 44 and 46 for a 90.
"Doug had a tremendous second half for us," LoPresti said. "He really has a bright future."
Junior Dan Kunigonis shot 46-46-92, while freshman Ron Kushner shot 47-47-94. Freshman Bryan Bailey’s score in the high 90s was not used as only the low four scores counted.
"I thought the kids played well," LoPresti. "We had been playing real well and our scores could have been lower, but with the conditions, most of the scores across the board were high. We’re satisfied with our effort. We have a young team, so each tournament experience will ultimately help us."
By finishing among the top 10, Rohrig was selected to the GMC’s All-Conference Team. And, by placing among the top seven, he was chosen to play in yesterday’s Freedom Cup. The top players from Middlesex County took on the top shooters from Union County at the Shackamaxon Golf Course.
"That was great to see," LoPresti said. "This is a great way for Justin to cap off an outstanding season."

