Don’t take Herring’s career for Grant-ed

By: Sean Richards
   Grant Herring’s days at the Monroe High School are almost gone, but his athletic accomplishments will not be forgotten.
   Also a fine wrestler for Sal "The Godfather" Profaci’s wrestling team, Herring is currently wrapping up a distinguished career for the Falcons as the No. 1 player on the golf team.
   A four-year starter for the Falcons, Herring recently shot a 40 to lead Monroe to its third straight win, a 169-187 victory over Sayreville.
   "We didn’t start the season off real well, but I think a lot of that had to do with the weather," said Herring. "We’ve played better as a team as the weather has gotten warmer. And I’ve played better, too."
   Herring, who took up golf in eighth grade, averaged around 6.6 over par on last year’s successful team. He’s currently shooting around the same scores this season, but with the bulk of the matches still remaining, there’s no reason to think he won’t go lower.
   "There’s always things you need to work on," said Herring, who will be headed to George Mason University in Virginia in the fall. "But my chipping and putting have improved. It’s the short game that helps you score well.
   "I’ve been driving the ball pretty good, but it’s the chipping and putting that I’ve worked hardest on. That’s the key to my game."
   Wrestling and golfing isn’t a common combination for high school athletes, but Herring has done very well at both. He won 25 wrestling matches at 171 pounds during the winter and is primed to improve his finish from last year at the upcoming Greater Middlesex Conference Golf Championships in the middle of May.
   "Absolutely," replied Herring when asked if doing well at the GMC’s is big on his priority list. "I want to have a strong showing there."
   Herring is also excited about what he’s seen of the Monroe team as a whole.
   "I would say this is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here," he said. "We have really good depth. From one through six we are capable of scoring in the low 40s.
   "I’m excited to be on this team. When everybody can shoot low, it makes everyone a better player."
   Said Monroe coach Pete LoPresti: "Grant has played well of late. He’s a pleasure to coach and a leader on the team.
   "Our team is starting to settle in now. We’re getting good contributions with Grant showing the way."
   Against Sayreville, Herring was low with the 40. Evan Jones was next with a41, followed by the 43s of Ken Zimmer and Frank Ermel.
   Freshman Sean Lawrence has also been making key contributions for a team that will host Lawrence, Sayreville, and traditional power South Plainfield next week.