In only their second full season of competition – and first in intercollegiate play – the RCGC men's golf team may have opened a few eyes on Monday at Deerwood Country Club in Westampton, NJ.
Playing against tough and established NJCAA programs from around the region, the Roadrunners finished an impressive third in a 17-team field. Coach Clarke's team finished with 317 total points, just shy of champion Bucks County College (310) and County College of Morris (315). Following the Runners (317) were Rowan-Burlington (339), Delaware Tech (360), Ocean County College (380) and Union County (443).
The top four finishers for RCGC included Matthew Marinari (75 over 18 holes), Julian Pinto (79), Aidan Caspar (80), and Zach Buscher (83). Needless to say Coach Clarke was ecstatic with the final finish,
"These guys have a lot of fun together but they also work hard," said Clarke, a former GCIT head coach. "Some of these players were out shooting at two different courses on Sunday just to stay sharp and get ready for this tournament. So I'm not surprised how much improved we are."
Sophomore J.J. Pinto, a former West Deptford standout, shot a solid 79 over 18 holes despite the windy and sometimes frigid chill in the air.
"I really had an up and down day even though I had a 79," he commented. "My second hole was a disaster – but since it was just the second hole I knew I could bounce back and that my teammates would do their share too."
Next up for the Runners will be the RCGC Invitational at Pitman Golf Club on April 3rd in a 12 noon tee-off.