University of Connecticut Athletics
Golf Opens Challenging Spring Campaign in Florida
2/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
STORRS, Conn. (February 4, 2008)-- The University of Connecticut men’s golf program, under the direction of first-year head coach , will open the 2008 spring season this weekend, embarking on the most ambitious in the program’s history.
“I am very excited for us to get started this spring,” said Pezzino. “I think this schedule gives our team a chance to compete against some of the top programs in the country and on some outstanding golf courses around the United States. The spring is the season that we have a chance to compete for a BIG EAST Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament and I think that this schedule will prepare our team in every way possible for that challenge. One of the things I noticed about all of the teams at UConn is that they play a national schedule and I had hoped we could do the same.”
The Huskies open play this weekend with a dual match on Saturday, February 9 with Florida Atlantic University at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. It is the first of two trips to Florida during the month of February for the Huskies, returning at the end of the month for the Argonaut Invitational, hosted by West Florida, on February 25-26.
The highlight of the schedule is a trip to the Thunderbird Invitational on April 11-13, hosted by Arizona State University, at the Karsten Course in Tempe, Arizona. The Huskies will also compete in the MTSU/Aldila Intercollegiate on March 31 and April 1, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University at Old Fort Golf Club in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. UConn will also spend spring break in Puerto Rico from March 7-15, competing in a Spring Break Invitational while on the trip.
The University of Connecticut golf team entered a new era in 2007-08, competing under the direction of coach Pezzino, who brought over a decade of golf coaching and teaching expertise to the Storrs campus.
The Huskies responded in the Fall campaign with three top five finishes, including a second place standing at the New England Championship. Coach Pezzino is confident the Huskies have the ability to make their mark in the region and the conference.
Leading the way for the Huskies will be senior co-captains and . Travalja comes off his best season as a Husky, averaging 73.9 in the fall and recording three top ten’s and five top 20’s in six events. He finished in second place at the New England Championship. According to Coach Pezzino, “Brian had a solid fall and he is only getting stronger in all facets of his game. His best golf is in front of him. He leads the team in several statistical categories, most importantly, in scoring.” Siekierski has played to a 76.0 career average and Pezzino sees a solid final season for him. “A.J. knows how to make birdies. His improved wedge play will show him lower scores in the spring and he will be a big part of how successful we can be as a team,” says Pezzino.
Freshman had a steady first semester as a Husky and is a proven winner at the scholastic level. He averaged 76.9 in the fall. Pezzino says, “Chris has a wonderful attitude and demeanor on the course; you can’t tell if he is -5 under or 5 over. He hits a ton of fairways and greens.”
Junior has showed the potential for super play in his three years. Coach Pezzino calls Tosches a “grinder with solid iron play and a guy who can make putts.” Tosches has played in 27 career events and has shown the ability to go low.
The remainder of the Husky roster is filled with players who have shown flashes and hope that consistency in the spring will bring them each a regular spot in the rotation.
Junior is the 2007 New Hampshire Amateur Champion. According to Pezzino, “as Tim improves his ball striking, it will take his game to another level.”
Junior , brother of A.J., is another Husky looking to break through. “Bret is a smart golfer who plays to his strengths,” says Pezzino.
Sophomore and freshmen and will also look to earn a place in the Husky five. Dubrowski (two events) and Gunderson (one event) each cracked the lineup in the fall, but O’Connor is still looking to make his Husky debut.
