Niagara Gazette

The two-time defending Monsignor Martin small school champion Patriots hit the links this fall without number one golfer Zach Clark, but hopes for a three-peat remain high.

Clark, an All-Catholic and state qualifier four consecutive years, takes his game to Niagara University, but senior Jake Felicetti and junior Greg Felstead hope to lead the Patriots to another championship. 

Niagara Catholic also sees seniors Joel Costanzo and Dan Bax leave a squad that finished 6-0 in league play last season, but 12th year coach Phil Buffone hopes young talent can fill in the gaps for the Patriots.

Niagara Catholic plays their home matches at Hyde Park Golf Course.

Lewiston-Porter

Lew-Port coach Scott Townsend sees Sectional Champion and first team all-league Matt Petrosian leave the Lancers, but is hoping fellow first teamer Mike Boss is ready to be the squad’s number one. 

“He's the man,” Townsend said, “He's the leader.” Boss, who won the Buffalo District Junior match play this summer, is joined by junior David James (third-team All League) atop a squad that finished 15-5-1 last season.

Townsend said he’s hoping some inexperienced players on the team will step up this season, and hopes are high this fall.

“Our team has made a commitment to continue the success of our program, so they played a lot over the summer,” Townsend said. “We'll just have to wait and see where we are.”

Lew-Port will host teams at Niagara Frontier Country Club this fall.

Niagara-Wheatfield

The reigning NFL champs hope to build on their success despite losing three seniors to graduation. 

State qualifier Alex Buerger, Jimmy Lumadue and Nick Ross leave the Falcons this fall, but senior Alex Kammerer will take the role as ace for N-W.

Kammerer finished second at last year’s Section VI golf championships after a playoff with Lew-Port’s Matt Petrosian. With Petrosian graduated, Kammerer looks to finish the job this season.

“Losing Alex Buerger, there's some big shoes we have to fill in,” said Falcons coach Tim Codd. “He was our main man for the last three years, but I'm optimistic that these guys will fill those shoes.”

Joining Kammerer are Billy Lumadue and two brothers, Nick and Jordan Matos. Niagara-Wheatfield’s home course is Tan Tara Golf Club.

Grand Island

The Vikings also lose their ace to graduation, with Alex Frey, but coach Craig Warthling sees five starters return to a team that finished 9-10-2 last season.

Senior Brian Brink returns to a team that’s extremely young, with five freshman on the squad including Kevin Borowicz and Curtis Johnson. Johnson and Borowicz both saw action last season as eighth graders.

“My two ninth graders were in my top four last year,” coach Warthling said. “I actually see one of them maybe could be my number one this year.”

Grand Island hosts opponents at River Oaks this fall.

Niagara Falls

Wolverines coach Jack Pero is excited about a team that sees senior Greg Bullock and Adam Grana return to a veteran squad. 

“I'm very positive,” Pero said. “We lost a couple (golfers) but I think we filled the voids.” Niagara Falls sees Brandon Lee graduate but their top two golfers stay on, with Bullock and Grana leading the way for the squad.

Transfer James Spanbauer will also join the squad.

Niagara Falls plays its home matches at Hyde Park.