ARHS Golf team continues to drive to the top

May 7, 2018

For several years now, the Riordan golf team has been languishing in the bottom of the very difficult WCAL. This year, unfortunately, was no different, yet things are unquestionably looking up for the program.

“The guys were much improved from last year,” said varsity head coach Jeff Isola ’98. “As a team, on average, our team scores about 25 strokes lower per match [from last season]. Everyone from last year has improved.”

For the second year in a row, the team has been anchored by Matthew Audibert ’18. Last season he qualified for CCS and was the undisputed number one on the team coming into the year. While the season has had ups and downs, Audibert has still had a successful season.

“So far, my senior year has gone alright. It definitely hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to go, but [I qualified] for CCS again. Golf is funny because it only takes one good day to advance far in high school golf. I’m pretty sad that my golf career at Archbishop Riordan is coming to a close but I want to finish with a bang and show how Riordan golf can contend with all the powerhouse schools such as St. Francis and Bellarmine”

Joining Audibert have been returning Aidan Horgan ’20, Ethan Daly ’20, and Dominic Stevens ’20. Each improved by more than four strokes from their inaugural seasons and have momentum going into their junior campaigns.

The two intriguing members are freshmen. Robert DeGroot ’21 and Jaymar Agtang ’21 joined the team this season and brought surprises. The two slotted in immediately as the team’s second and third performers. In addition, both qualified for CCS, an outstanding achievement for the young players.

All of this adds up to exciting times. According to Isola, “The thing I’m looking forward to most is that of the six guys only one is a senior and the others are sophomores and freshmen. A very young team that will continue to improve.”

Undoubtedly there is more hope than usual surrounding this team. Audibert is the only upperclassman on the roster, with the rest being freshmen and sophomores.

“I’m leaving a small dent in the program, but I’m sure that all the returners will be able to step up next year and continue to get better,” Audibert reflects. “Riordan golf has a lot of hope for the future.”

Click here for Riordan’s Varsity Golf Page