October 16, 2024

Pope Francis Prep Golf comes from behind to claim WMass D-II title

REGIONAL
Staff report

Pope Francis Prep WMass Division II Golf Champions. (Photo courtesy Pope Francis Prep)

SPRINGFIELD – It was a cold morning tee off as high school golf teams from across western Massachusetts took part in the Western Massachusetts Division II sectional championship at the Taconic Golf Course in Williamstown, Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Eleven teams took part in 18-hole strokes championship, with the 12-2 Pope Francis Preparatory High School claiming victory over Wahconah High, 309 to 320. 

Led by Cardinal senior and team captain, Michael McGrath, Pope Francis placed five golfers in the top 20.  All season the Cardinals have demonstrated depth, which earned the team its fourth league title.

After a slow start by the team, they came storming back led by McGrath who came from behind to claim second place, only one stroke shy of tying for first place in the tournament.

Pope Francis coach, John Anziano, told IObserve that this was a season long characteristic of the team.

“We have held the philosophy all year of one shot at a time, only focusing on the next shot. I believe this truly came into play at the Western Mass tournament, where we could have folded with the slow start, however the team stayed focused and never gave up.”

He went on to say that as the tournament went on, “our players kept their poise and played their best golf on the back nine. It was a true team win, our seniors showed leadership and posted three of our top scores.”

In addition to McGrath, other top 20 Cardinal finishers included Quinn Woytowicz who tied for third, Jack Dias and Jack Oullette who tied for seventh and Brody Fanueff who tied for 19^th place.  

McGrath echoed his coach’s sentiments on the outstanding play of his teammates, adding that his faith also played a part in his surge.

“I had a rough couple of holes in the beginning, but I kept focused and was able to get back in the game. I built on little successes as I went. I prayed, in fact I prayed a Hail Mary after my fourth hole when I was four over and it started to turn around.”

It’s now on to the state tournament, next Monday, Oct. 21 at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield and Coach Anziano is hopeful.

“We are looking forward to the state tournament where we would like to improve on our 8th place finish last year. Having four players who played last year helps with preparation and leadership going into the tournament.”