Both sophomore Jack Wheaton and freshman Logan Perrone turned in perhaps their best performances of the 2023 NJCAA golf campaign the past two days. So did sophomore Skylar Amoroso in the women's competition.
The result? The Roadrunner Men captured the NJCAA Region 19 men's championship Tuesday at Ash Brook Golf Club in Scotch Plains, NJ. The Roadrunner women, meanwhile, dominated the individual play as several athletes turned in solid performances.
And make no mistake -- performances turned in by the Roadrunner Men's and Women's teams were truly historic for the upstart RCSJ program.
The region title was the first since the program was restarted in 2018 and the second major crown this season following a win in the GSAC Championships on April 26th. The Runners' men's squad compiled a two-day total of 688, edging runnerup County College of Morris at 694. Lehigh-Carbon, Ocean CC, Union College and Raritan Valley rounded out the team scoring.
And for the second straight season, Coach Guy Davidson's Runners will send qualifying teams to the 2023 NJCAA Division III Men's and Women's Golf Championships at Chautauqua Golf Course in Chautauqua, NY, June 6-9.
"I was amazed that our men didn't start celebrating right away when they found out they won the region title," said Coach Guy Davidson. "Instead, they all walked across the course to watch the women finish their matches and cheer them on. This group has always been about the team first, and this is a big reason for their success."
Wheaton finished the two-day tournament with a mark of 165, tied for his best outing this spring. He shot steady two-day totals of 83 and 82, placing second overall among all individuals.
"I'm not a fan of this course, and I just wanted to play a steady game both days," said Wheaton. "This is what we've worked for all year, and I was happy to play a role."
Freshman Logan Perrone, meanwhile, enjoyed a solid second day in shooting an 80, finishing the tourney with a 169 overall. That score helped him finish in a tie for fourth place in the individual competition.
"Today I was out on the course against some golfers who were better than me, and I challenged myself to play at their levels," said Logan. "They helped make me a better player today."
Roadrunner standout Skylar Amoroso emerged as the overall Region 19 Women's Golf champion Wednesday in action at Ash Brook Golf Club with teammate Nancy Davidson coming in second. Rounding out the RCSJ top five were Crystal Johnson, Alaina Villari, and Amanda Volk.
"We're really coming along nicely as a team," said Skylar. "We've worked hard all year long, and we're excited to be going to nationals."
Watch for more details on the upcoming NJCAA Championships.
Day One Results
The Roadrunner Men's and Women's Golf teams are competing in the NJCAA Region 19 Championship Meet at Ash Brook Golf Club in Scotch Plains, NJ, May 15-16, 2023.
After Day 1 of the Region 19 Championships at Ash Brook GC, Roadrunner Men's Golf leads runnerup Morris 351 to 361. Jack Wheaton's 83 in the first round leads the way followed by Sam Burek and Logan Perrone with 89 each.
Freddie Ramos (90) and Cole Bruner (97) round out the RCSJ Top 5. Watch for Day 2 results.
Competing solely in individual competition, Skylar Amoroso leads all GC women's golfers after Day 1 of the Region 19 Championships. Nancy Davidson at 102. Other top 5 performers include: Crystal Johnson, Alaina Villari and Amanda Volk.
Region 19 Championships
May 15-16, 2023
Ash Brook Golf Club
Scotch Plains, NJ
Men's Teams Competing:
RCSJ Gloucester
County College of Morris
Ocean County College
Camden County College
RCSJ Cumberland
Lehigh-Carbon CC
Raritan Valley CC
Union College
Women's Team Competing
RCSJ Gloucester