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05/07/2022 12:00 AMThe Morgan golf team is off to one of its strongest starts in program history this year, and Head Coach Eric Bergman attributes the Huskies’ success to their resolve and work ethic. Morgan took its first loss of the season last week, but also earned a pair of victories to improve its record to 9-1 on the campaign.
“I credit our success to good leadership, willingness to practice and improve, confidence, and chemistry,” Bergman said. “9-1 is a terrific start, yet the meat of the schedule has yet to come. Portland, H-K, Hand, and Guilford will all be tough matches. Our short games are finally falling into play, and this just might be our best weapon.”
The Huskies lost to North Branford in their opening match of the week before bouncing back with wins against Waterford and East Hampton. Morgan started off the week by taking a 176-12 defeat to North Branford in a road match at Indian Springs Golf Course on May 3.
Senior Drew Nye and sophomore Chris Giuliano led Morgan with scores of 46 versus North Branford. Senior Tyler Greenhouse was next in line for the Huskies with a score of 49. Senior captain Nick Schmidt and senior Cole Crowley both shot a 51, while sophomore Jack Nye finished with a 55.
“This was a very difficult loss for us. We expected our score to be in the mid 170s,” said Coach Bergman. “Granted, Indian Springs is a unique course that demands some previous knowledge of its layout, yet we made far too many mental errors—club selection, course management, and lack of focus. North Branford is far too strong at home for us to give away a stroke here and there.”
The following day, Morgan hosted Waterford at Clinton Country Club and claimed a 175-182 victory. Giuliano came in as the match medalist with a low score of 42 for the day. Drew Nye was just one shot back on the leaderboard with his score of 43. Schmidt and Greenhouse each finished with a 45, and junior Ray Swan posted a score of 48 for Coach Bergman’s squad.
“This was a decent day for us after a tough loss the day prior. While we need to be a 165-to-172 team, getting four or more players in the mid-40s isn’t terrible,” Bergman said. “Also, we do have depth with eight current players capable of playing in mid- to low-40s. This adds some healthy competition to our practices.”
Morgan finished off its week by notching a 163-264 road win over East Hampton at Black Birch Golf Course on May 5. Giuliano earned medalist honors by carding a 36 for the afternoon. Nye shot a 41, Schmidt and Greenhouse both scored a 43, and Crowley finished with a 47 in the win.
“This was a solid match for us,” said Bergman. “It was a good way to prepare for next week’s matches against Portland and Hand.”
Morgan’s varsity for the 2022 season includes Drew Nye, Jack Nye, Giuliano, Greenhouse, Swan, Crowley, and freshman Robert Bergman. The Huskies’ JV roster features Jon Allen, Kirsten Amendola, Jonathan Blair, Timothy DeMaio, Alex Fratamico, Demani Howard, Joseph O’Brien, Meredith O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Terry Pollard, and Maggie West.
“They are all wonderful to watch in their own ways,” Coach Bergman said. “Each player, from the beginner to the advanced, is still a young adult trying to make their way in the world. They are setting goals, learning new techniques, and socializing with some new teammates. There is a lot here to celebrate.”
One of Bergman’s favorite moments of the season came when Giuliano made an eagle versus East Hampton last week. Aside from that, Coach Bergman feels proud about how Morgan’s golfers are progressing both on and off the course this spring.
“Witnessing how my players interact with their peers and opponents has been especially rewarding,” said Bergman. “I’m always trying to be a more effective, transformative coach. While we expect to win a number of our matches each year, and winning does ultimately matter, helping to develop responsible and decent human beings is essential.”
Morgan finishes its regular season off with contests against Portland, Hand, Guilford, Haddam-Killingworth. The Huskies will then move on to the postseason, and Coach Bergman has great expectations for his team entering the championship meets.
“I’d like to have a few players make All-League and finish strong at both the Conference and State tournaments,” Bergman said.