Just two seasons ago, the Roadrunner Golf program sent two golfers --Freddie Ramos and alternate Cole Bruner -- to compete in the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships at Chautauqua Golf Course in Chautauqua, NY, marking the first time in decades that RCSJ golfers competed in national competition.
Fast forward two years, and the Runners might well be one of the fast growing men's golf programs in the country!
Yes, the numbers, the positive vibes, and a talented roster have contributed to solid success enjoyed by Coach Guy Davidson's team. In 2024, the Roadrunner Men's team
won their second straight Region 19 championship while also laying claim to a second straight Garden State Athletic Conference crown.
Since the Regions concluded in late May, the Runners have practiced religiously at Pitman Golf Club and appear to be hitting their stride.
Will we see the Roadrunners continue this upward trend in the upcoming NJCAA Nationals? Maybe, said Davidson.
"Our scores are off the charts in practice -- let's hope we keep our stride," said Davidson.
The Roadrunners enjoyed their success despite having just one returnee on the roster from a year ago in sophomore Logan Perrone. Logan has turned in a superb campaign, earning All-Region 19 honors. He has received plenty of support from teammates Eddie Mazurkiewicz, Nick Iuliucci, Eddie Mazurkiewicz, Alex Seber, Paul Welker and Hayes Hulitt.
"We have plenty of depth -- there's always someone to pick you up if you're having a tough day," said Perrone, who was the team's top golfer in the National Championship Meet last season with a 47th overall finish.
This group will test their talents against approximately 75 of the top NJCAA golfers in the country.
Freshman Eddie Mazurkiewicz hopes the team has enough talent and resilience to improve upon last season's 9th place overall finish at Chautauqua GC.
"I wasn't here last year, but we all feel we can make it into the top five teams in the country," said Mazurkiewicz.
On the women's side, sophomores Nancy Davidson and Alaina Villari, each of whom competed in last season's tournament, hope to perform well in individual competition along with teammate Lanie Guzman. Davidson finished 11th overall in last season's national meet while Villari plaved 16th overall.
"Nancy (Davidson) and Alaina (Villari) have been good friends since high school and it's exciting for them to make this trip for a second year in a row," said Coach Davidson. "They both work extremely hard and will be very competitive again in the national tournament."
The tournament runs from June 4 through June 7 with team and individual champions set to be crowned. Tee offs are scheduled for 8:30 am daily.
2024 NJCAA DIII Men's and Women's Golf Championship Schedule
June 4-7, | Chautauqua Golf Course | Chautauqua, New York
Daily Schedule:
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Information Desk Open
9L00 AM – 11:15 AM | Tee Times - 1st Wave
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Learning Center/ Practice Facility
RCSJ Golfers
Men's Team: Logan Perrone, Eddie Mazurkiewicz, Hayes Hulitt, Nick Iuliucci, Eddie Mazurkiewicz, Alex Seber, Paul Welker
Women's Team: Nancy Davidson, Alaina Villari, Lanie Guzman