Boys Golf: 2023 Season Outlook

The St. Luke’s boys varsity golf team heads into the 2023 season looking to regain the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) title it relinquished last spring. 

 

The Storm won the previous four FAA tournaments but fell short in 2022, something this year’s team would like to put right.

 

Stephen Vehslage returns as head coach, with Mitch Murphy and David Burnham as his assistant coaches. 

 

With no preseason, Vehslage hasn’t seen much of his squad but knows what to expect from his returning players: “We have a number of last year’s squad returning, including Eoin Mueller ’23, Peter Cioffi ’23, Watson Meyer ’24, Chad Ruggiero ’24, Matty Shulman ’25, and Eli Brody ’24. All those guys had some good rounds and are capable of really low scores. It’s very early in the season, so we have had very few practices, but we have a lot of talent on the team.”

 

Vehslage knows that captains Mueller and Cioffi will lead by example: “I expect them to model integrity, team spirit, a strong work ethic, and good sportsmanship. And I expect them to support the newer players and take their role as mentors seriously. Both are great guys, who I know will do an outstanding job.”

 

The Storm has its first match on Monday, April 10, at Apawamis Country Club, against Rye Country Day School, before it hosts The Masters School (New York) on Tuesday, April 11, at the Country Club of New Canaan. Vehslage wants his players to be ready for these two important matches and to start the season strong: “I want our players to invest fully in their own growth and development as golfers. I want them to be fully present and focused for every shot, both in practice and at competitions, and I want them to be able to monitor and adjust during any given round. Golf is a mental game, and I'd like to see all of my players keep their heads in the game and avoid excessive frustration after bad holes or excessive celebration after great ones.”

 

Mueller and Cioffi are excited for the season ahead and believe the team has the talent to challenge for honors: “We have a really exciting team this year, with a combination of new and returning players. We look forward to getting out on the course with everyone every day. Our depth is by far our biggest strength. We have a lot of players who are capable of coming in with a low number on any given day. Our top half will be fighting for their spots, day in and day out, and we take that as a good thing. The competition encourages everyone to work extra hard and make sure they are playing their best.”

 

In terms of their own leadership, the two senior captains are eager to help every player on the team: “We are looking for everyone to find ways to fine-tune their own game every day. Since golf is somewhat of an individual sport, it is important for everyone to recognize the strengths and weaknesses in their own game. As captains, we will try to help and support our teammates as they work to improve.”