Monroe golfers could survive defections

By: Redd E. Patrick
   Quality players have moved on— one literally — while the team is moving up a class in competition, yet Monroe High School golf coach Pete LoPresti is confident in his program to bring success once again this spring.
   Two years ago, the Falcons turned the corner, winning the Blue Division title of the Greater Middlesex Conference. Last year, the club finished second in the division, but wound up with a 14-2 record and proved its value by finishing in a tie for fourth at the GMC Tournament, hanging around with some of the perennial powers.
   This season, the Falcons are moving up to the White Division where the likes of South Plainfield, Colonia and other top-flight programs reside. Brian Bailey, the club’s No. 1-2 player from a year ago, moved out of state, while Danny Kunigonis, one of the top players, graduated. Senior Doug Rohrig, who surprised the field at the GMC Tournament by finishing second in 2004, is back to lead the way.
   "Doug should be one of the better golfers in the county,"’ said LoPresti. "He can go out and do great things. He’s really starting to bang the ball. He really loves the game."
   Sophomore Evan Jones and junior Grant Herring, who both played last year, should slot in at No. 2 and 3.
   "Grant has gotten much stronger,"’ said LoPresti. "He’s hitting the ball with more authority, he really pays attention to the game. Evan got some valuable experience last year and he should be much-improved."
   Junior Frank Ermel, who saw some time last year in matches, appears to have the edge as the No. 4 man.
   "I think our top four are pretty solid, we should be able to compete with the top teams,"’ LoPresti said. "Filling the fifth and sixth spots will be a key for us. During the season, you play six and count four. If we can come up with a solid No. 5 or 6, that would take some of the pressure off the top guys."
   Although the Falcons have only had a handful of practice rounds, LoPresti feels as though junior Kenny Zimmer and senior Eric Wysokowski have the inside track to fill the very important 5 and 6 slots.
   Junior Ryan Dinsmore is the other player back with experience, while LoPresti thinks freshman Brian Blank has a chance to move into the rotation. Other players looking to crack the lineup include seniors Aaron Baker and John Ventriello and sophomore Brian Zimmer.
   "We’re moving up to the White Division, which will be a big challenge," LoPresti said. "But I think we’ll be able to compete. Depth is a concern as we start the season. We feel confident in our top four, but after that, hopefully someone will step up and emerge."
   The Falcons are scheduled to open the season at home at the Forsgate Country Club on Monday, April 4 vs. Woodbridge.