By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Apr. 15, 2015:  There have been some major changes in the Bronxville High School golf program this spring. The team, which was co-ed last year, has split into separate boys' and girls' teams, and the golf program now includes a JV boys' team. The interest in high school golf has never been stronger; the boys' varsity team returns many experienced golfers and has an eleven-man roster and JV has seven. The newly formed girls' team will start its inaugural season with four golfers. 

The Bronco teams will have to deal with some adversity this spring, as Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville's home course, is not available due to renovations and the harsh winter. Coach Chris Lockwood and Athletic Director Karen Peterson have had to be creative when it comes to practice. Astroturf, netting, and the pitching cage were used as a makeshift driving range in the gym, and once the weather cleared, the team practiced at the driving range and were able to hold one practice at the Sprain Lake Golf Course. Unfortunately, all games will have to be played on away courses.  

The Journal News ranks the Bronxville boys' team second in Section I just behind Scarsdale, a team that will be the Broncos' biggest challenge. The Broncos opened yesterday against Mamaroneck and will face Edgemont today and Solomon Schechter on Thursday. 

The Broncos will have a strong boys' team this year with the return of juniors Matt Bettino and captain Connor Daly, who were both Section I state team qualifiers in 2014. Junior Chris Gay and senior Jared Hendrick are expected to make a strong run at the Section 1 tournament this season. Martin Jensen, a top golfer from last season, is enrolled in private school this year and will be missed by the Broncos. 

The girls' varsity team will be led by junior Sarah Torres and eighth-grader McKenna Stoltz. 

"I am excited to watch the girls compete against other teams at an appropriate level," said Coach Lockwood. "My hope is that Bronxville will be sending a few of our golfers to the girls' Section 1 tournament for the first time in Bronco history." 

While the present teams are looking strong, Bronxville's future is also quite bright with the inclusion of the JV team. Under the guidance of Coach Dan Martin, the boys will continue to develop their skills and become more acclimated to the competitive world of golf. 

"Our team goal this year is to compete in the Section 1 team tournament," said Coach Lockwood. "It will require solid play from the entire team." 

Go Broncos.

Pictured here (L to R):  Bronco golfers Matt Bettino, Connor Daly, and Chris Gay. 

Photo by Kathleen Daly