SJU Athletics Photos

Expectations are high for the Saint Joseph's University golf team in 2001-02. Featuring an experienced and talented group of golfers, including all nine letterwinners from last season, SJU aims to regain its stature among the region's top programs. Providing the leadership for the Hawks this year will be the experienced tandem of seniors J.P. Glynn and C.J. O'Connell. Glynn, who has maintained the team's top stroke average the past two years, tied for the team lead in the spring with an average of 77.1 strokes per round. Possessing "big match" capability, he posted the team's two highest finishes last season, placing third overall at the St. Bonaventure Invitational in the fall and fourth at the William and Mary Golden Horseshoe Invitational in the spring. O'Connell, meanwhile, stands as the only Hawk to compete in every match in both the fall and spring each of the past two seasons. The team's captain has a tremendous short game and provides the squad with a high level of consistency. In addition to Glynn and O'Connell, a pair of second-year players, junior Jeff Huntzinger and sophomore Brian McDermott, should have a dramatic impact on the team's success. Both players made a smooth adjustment in their first seasons of collegiate competition and aim to take the next step this year. McDermott averaged a team-best 78.2 strokes in the fall and maintained his strong play in the spring with a 77.8 stroke average. The younger brother of Mike (‘97) and Kevin (‘99) McDermott, Brian followed in his brothers' footsteps, twice earning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honors. Huntzinger, a transfer from Rhode Island, tied Glynn for the team lead in the spring with a stroke average of 77.1. Steadily improving with each outing, Huntzinger hopes to build off his team-best 21st place finish at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship last spring. Juniors Paul Polinsky and Mike Bosica should also be in contention for a spot in the team's regular rotation. Polinsky, who joined the squad mid-year, made an immediate impact by averaging 80.6 strokes per round in the spring. Bosica, meanwhile played in every fall tournament, as well as a pair of spring events. He became the first Hawk in more than a decade to drop a hole-in-one, turning the feat at the Temple Invitational. Looking to break into the team's regular rotation, while also providing the team with adequate depth are sophomores Bill Devlin, Ryan MacDonald and Tom Spano.