With a little more than two weeks to go before the cutoff to qualify for the NJSIAA tournament, coach Tom McCloskey is aiming for his Sayreville Memorial High School golf team to reach the .600 mark by the May deadline.
Thus far the Bombers are 3-5, but with five seniors in the lineup, the coach is expecting that his team will pick up the pace down the stretch.
Sayreville’s three successes came against Woodbridge, North Brunswick and New Brunswick; the Bombers have lost matches to St. Joseph of Metuchen, South Plainfield, Monroe, and Colonia (twice).
“Our team has really been working hard, and I think they’re just starting to round into form,” McCloskey said. “We were a little inconsistent at the start of the season, and I’m starting to see more consistency. If that continues, we’ll be all right.”
Joe Beselinoff, who qualified as an individual for the state tourney a year ago, has been the Bombers’ top player, averaging six-over-par. A four-year starter, Beselinoff plays a smart overall game, manages the course well and has developed into a team leader, McCloskey said.
Beselinoff’s preparation and work ethic have been a positive influence on his teammates. In each of the past two years he has finished in the top 15 players at the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament.
Nick Fuentes, now in his third varsity campaign, averages +8, thanks to a very solid short game and his ability to string together good shots.
Bryan Adamcik and Mike Galvin, also four-year team members, average +11. Adamcik is very composed on the course and is good on the greens. Galvin is a long-hitter who plays aggressively and is willing to take a chance or two.
“Mike has made some very difficult shots,” McCloskey said.
Another senior, Eric Ryan, is averaging +11 as well. Ryan has a knack for rebounding well when he gets into trouble.
Four other players are seeing action for the Bombers, including junior Justin McDonald and sophomore Nicole Galvin, both of whom have high potential, the coach noted.
In addition, a pair of freshmen, Ryan Kanaley and Nick Danielsen, are showing promise for the future. Ryan Kanaley has been impressive, showing good form and contributed to the Bombers’ wins over North Brunswick and Woodbridge. Danielsen has shown power off the tee and is improving with each round.
“It’s always nice to have good young players in the program,” said McCloskey, who credited assistants Rich Bates and Pete McLarney with helping the newer golfers improve their play.
Sayreville’s quest for the state tournament was scheduled to continue yesterday against St. Joe’s. The Bombers are slated to meet neighboring South River this afternoon at the Rutgers Golf Course and will host North Brunswick tomorrow at Tamarack Golf Course in East Brunswick.