New England College Captures 2023 GNAC Golf Championship
GNAC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
TEAM RESULTS | INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
HAMDEN, Conn. – New England College made its mark in its first-ever Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Golf Championship, capturing the title with a 36-hole score of 646 (+86) at the New Haven Country Club. With the win, the Pilgrims earn the league's automatic qualifier into the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championship in the spring.
Leading the way for the 2024 Champions was Timothy Carlson, who finished in second with a score of 156 (+5). Carlson was also named a member of the All-Conference First Team as one of the top-five scores in the event. Sophomore Graham Hassan was also an All-GNAC First Teamer, finishing tied for fifth at 161 (+21). Kam Hellman was the Pilgrims third scorer, tying for 12th with a two-day total of 164 (+24). Kaleb O'Connor was the team's fourth scorer with a 171 (+31) with Roman O'Brienhalla following right behind at 172 (+32). NEC's head coach Travis Banga was voted Coach of the Year by his peers.
Dean's Michael Keefe was the individual champion, earning medalist honors with a two-day total of 151 (+11). As the event's low score, Keefe also earned 2023 GNAC Golfer of the Year honors.
Norwich was the runner-up at this year's championship edging out host Albertus Magnus. The Cadets shot a 653 (+93) compared to the Falcons 654 (+94).
The Cadets were led by Cooper Bertrand who tied for fifth with a 161 (+21), earning him All-Conference First Team honors. He was also the Co-Rookie of the Year as the lowest first-year scorer. Harrison Giambattista also earned All-Conference honors as he was named to the Second Team after tying for 10th with a 163 (+23).
The 2023 hosts also had two All-Conference honorees with Charles Kristofak tying for third at 158 (+18) to earn First Team recognition, while Shamar Wilson's 162 (+22) tied him for eighth, placing him on the Second Team.
Saint Joseph's (Maine) rounded out the top half of the standings at 672 (+112). The Monks were led by Braden Camire who also earned Rookie of the Year and First Team accolades. He carded a 161 (+21).
Emmanuel placed fifth at this year's championship with a team score of 684 (+124). Leading the Saints was Ian Reynolds who tied for third place at the event and was the last member of the All-GNAC First Team with his 158 (+18).
In addition to Keefe's medalist performance for the Bulldogs, Dean also placed Matt Brangiforte in the top-10. He earned All-GNAC Second Team honors with a 163 (+23).
Elms and Mitchell completed this year's standings at 726 (+166) and 755 (+195), respectively. The Blazers were led by Liam Fitzgibbons who shot 167 (+27), while the Mariners top golfer was All-GNAC Second Teamer Shamus McLean who came in tied for eighth at 162 (+22).
ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM (Top-5 including ties)
Cooper Bertrand, Norwich
Braden Camire, Saint Joseph's (Maine)
Timothy Carlson, New England College
Graham Hassan, New England College
Michael Keefe, Dean
Charles Kristofak, Albertus Magnus
Ian Reynolds, Emmanuel
ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM (Places 6-10 including ties)
Matt Brangiforte, Dean
Harrison Giambattista, Norwich
Shamus McLean, Mitchell
Shamar Wilson, Albertus Magnus
GOLFER OF THE YEAR - Michael Keefe, Dean
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Cooper Bertrand, Norwich
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Braden Camire, Saint Joseph's (Maine)
COACH OF THE YEAR - Travis Banga, New England College
INSTITUTIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP - Albertus Magnus
ALL-SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM
Sam Witt, Albertus Magnus
Michael Keefe, Dean
Miguel Pearce, Elms
Ian Reynolds, Emmanuel
Shamus McLean, Mitchell
Kam Hellman, New England College
Tyler Orton, Norwich
Nick DeLeo, Saint Joseph's (Maine)
ABOUT THE GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 16 member institutions and over 4000 student-athletes across the New England region. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 22 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement in an effort to enhance the student-athlete experience.
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