West Deptford Golf Preview: Brockway Leads Veteran Squad

Maybe it's because of the seasonably warm weather the golf team has been able to practice in, or maybe it's just a matter of things coming together quickly; whatever the reason, the Eagles are shooting much better than they were this time a year ago.

“This will be an interesting season, because this time last year we were averaging 10 strokes more than we are this year,” said West Deptford golf coach John Cobb. “Last year, we started shooting around 181 and got into the 170-171 range later in the year. This year, we are starting at 171 and 170. I think we have good expectations.”

The Eagles return an experienced bunch, with five of six starters back from last season’s 18-win squad, which finished second in the Colonial Conference. The pack will be led by senior Kevin Brockway, who was also the team’s best golfer a year ago.

Cobb expects big things from Brockway, particularly come tournament time.

“He matured a lot in his game,” Cobb said. “I think last year he got to a level and then realized how hard it is to get better once you hit a certain level. I think his tournament play will be better than it was last year. Tournaments are all about experience: The more you play them, the less nervous you get and the better you will play.”

Cobb said he was not surprised at the improvements in Brockway’s game, knowing how much intensity he brings to the course.

“I think Kevin’s improvement is because he has real passion for the game,” said Cobb. “He really likes the game of golf and the challenge that it brings.”

Fellow seniors Matt Santorelli, Zach Vorndran, John Meagher and Ryan Henry figure to be in the top six this season with Joe Duffy, Justin Fix and Richie Stolz rounding out the varsity roster.

Below is a look at the 2012 West Deptford golf team

Coach: John Cobb

Last year: 18-4

Returning letter winners: Kevin Brockway (sr.); Matt Santorelli (sr.); Zach Vorndran (sr.), John Meagher (sr.); Ryan Henry (sr.); Joe Duffy (jr.).

Promising newcomers: Justin Fox (so.); Richie Stolz (fr.).

Outlook: A group of five seniors, led by Brockway, should see improvements in score, if not record, over last season. Expect the Eagles to once again place second in the conference, falling short of only Haddonfield.

Three storylines to follow:

–The emergence of a No. 2 golfer. Golfers go out in pairs, and last year Brockway formed a great bond with then-senior Jordan Haines. With Haines no longer around, Brockway will need to develop chemistry with a new player. Santorelli seems to have the inside track at becoming that No. 2 guy.

“We lost some leadership with Jordan, but I think Matt is ready to step up,” said Cobb.

–Stolz cracking the lineup. With six upperclassmen filling up the scorecard, this freshman has plenty of competition in front of him. However, Cobb has been impressed with the youngster’s play in the preseason—particularly
his putting.

“I was impressed with his short game,” said Cobb. “Obviously, if you have a good short game, you stand a chance. That is the most difficult part of the game. If you get that down, you save a lot of strokes.”

–The move of the Carl Arena & Al Rifkin Memorial Tournament from to Running Deer. Last year the Eagles played host to the tournament, which features the area’s top high school golfers. The event was moved to Running Deer this season. Like RiverWinds, Running Deer is a Ron Jaworski course.