Posted: Apr 05, 2014

Golf Team Takes Fourth at Farmingdale Invitational, Sets New Team Record

Bethpage, N.Y. - The Golden Eagles of St Joseph's College performed admirably finishing fourth at the two-day tournament hosted by Farmingdale State College at the Bethpage State Park Red Course.

Twelve very talented teams plus four individual competitors (total of 64) competed in the event. The weather conditions on Day 1 were incredibly difficult with winds in excess of 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and wind chill temps in the low 40's. Despite the inclement conditions, the Golden Eagles posted a very respectable score of 312 - just nine strokes off of the team record of 303 set this past Fall. That placed them in fourth position after Day 1 of the event.

On Day 2, the team continued its fine play when they posted another fine team score of 305. That total of 617 sets a new team record for a two-day tournament, breaking the former mark of 632 set by the Eagles NCAA qualifying team in 2007. As a result, they were able to maintain their fourth place position among the very talented and competitive programs.

Individually, the Golden Eagle golfers set several new benchmarks led by sophomore Zac Campanelli. He posted a 76 on Day 1 and followed it up with a personal best score in competition on Day 2 with a score of 71 - just one stroke over par on the Red Course. His two-day total of 147 was good enough to take second place in the individual competition - one stroke off the winning score of 146 posted by Division II's Dowling College player Kurt Brey.

Others Golden Eagles performed in outstanding fashion, as well, including Robert Bray. The sophomore scored his personal competitive best round (73) on Day 2 bringing his two-day total to 154, placing him tied for 17^th.

Freshman John Melandro posted a two-day total of 156 placing him tied for 23^rd. Freshman Trevor McGuire posted a 161 (tied 35^th) which included an opening round of 79 in only his second competitive round in collegiate golf. Sophomore Christian Bleck finished tied for 41^st with a two-day total of 162.

"The team is very young but has been gaining experience which will prove invaluable in future events," said head coach George Cangero.

The team's next tournament will be the Long Island Intercollegiate Championship which they will host at the Island Hills Country Club on April 17 & 18.