University of Richmond Athletics
Men's Golf Spring Season Outlook
12/11/2001 | Men's Golf
Dec. 11, 2001
After finishing in the top-5 once in five events during the fall season, Richmond head coach Kevin Lynch is poised to lead his team into a strong spring campaign, which includes Richmond's inaugural Atlantic 10 Championship.
The highlight of the fall season was a tie for fourth at the James Madison Invitational. Richmond followed that with two 13th-place performances before finishing 17th at the fall finale, the ODU/Seascape Collegiate in Norfolk, Va.
"The fall season was not indicative of our ability or potential," Lynch said. "We have a very strong and talented team that can challenge for the Atlantic 10 title. Our main goal is to once again qualify for the NCAA Regional."
The Spiders will play in many competitive tournaments this spring, hoping to improve each event and eventually qualify for the NCAA Regionals. Richmond has advanced to the NCAA East Regional in each of the past three years, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in 1999.
This year's squad is led by a trio of seniors - Mark DiGiacomo, Ryan McLain and Wes Turiano. All three have gained valuable collegiate experience over their careers and contribute to the team's overall development.
A native of Lebanon, Pa., DiGiacomo ranked second on the team with a 75.5 scoring average in 11 rounds this fall. He shot a fall-low 69 in the first round of the James Madison Invitational, eventually finished tied for 15th.
"Mark is our leader because of the way he practices and his dedication to improvement," Lynch said. "He is a consistent, calming presence for our team. His mentality and demeanor keep him in the game at all times."
The third best fall scoring average came from McLain (75.6). The native of South Hadley, Mass., played nine rounds, shooting a fall-low 72 in the first round of the James Madison Invitational.
"Ryan brings a host of collegiate experience to our team," Lynch said. "He has a great feel and understanding of the short game."
Turiano, a Hollidaysburg, Pa. native, played five round this spring, finishing with a 78.2 scoring average.
"Wes has shown the ability to put solid rounds together," Lynch said. "He is extremely diligent in his daily approach to practice and improvement."
A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Kyle Hess led the team with a 74.3 scoring average in 11 rounds this fall. He tied for fourth at the James Madison Invitational and shot a team-low 66 in the first round of that event.
"Kyle has all the talent and potential to be a conference champion," Lynch said. "He has proven that he can shoot a low score, but has to be patient as his potential develops."
Junior Joe Cunningham will also compete for the Spiders this spring. A Manchester, Mass. native, Cunningham played in two events in fall 2000.
"Joe is a talented player with a solid short game," Lynch said. "With increased experience, he will develop his game and help the team."
Sophomore Steve Lessing was one of three Spiders to play all 11 rounds this fall. The Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. native, averaged 79.2 per round, shooting a fall-low 74 in the second round of the Navy Invitational.
"Steve is one of the hardest working players on this team," Lynch said. "He has a tremendous short game that allows him to compete on every hole."
Sophomore Sam Sikes (Huntsville, Ala.) played in the fall's first tournament, the Navy Fall Invitational
"Sam is one of the most talented players on the team," Lynch said. "He is a student of the game and will soon understand his potential."
Freshmen Steven Sherck (Statesville, N.C.) and Parker Hughes (Anniston, Ala.) have already seen action for the Spiders. Sherck played in four rounds, while Hughes made his collegiate debut in the fall's final event, the ODU/Seascape Collegiate.
"Steven has the mentality and talent to shoot very low scores," Lynch said. "Parker is willing to work extra hard both for himself and his teammates."
The Spiders participate in five spring tournaments before entering the Atlantic 10 Championships in Fayetteville, Pa. The winner of the event earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals.
"I believe we will be able to compete for a conference title this season and for many years to come," Lynch said.
