Cougar Crowns
Sophomore Kyle Richter claims individual title
The HCC golf team captured the New England (NJCAA Region XXI) championship on Wed., May 22, completing a remarkable two-day performance at the beautiful Ranch Golf Club in Southwick.
The host Cougars won the team championship behind the exceptional golf of the event's individual champion, Kyle Richter (East Longmeadow / East Longmeadow High School). Richter shot a sensational 79 on the second day of the two-day tournament that launched him to the top of the leaderboard. His teammates, Ryan McGeary (Agawam / Agawam High School), Tyler Boissonneault (Greenfield / Greenfield High School) and Peter DeStephano (East Longmeadow / East Longmeadow High School) all played very well, guiding the team to their regional title. Boissonneault shot an 87 on day two and McGeary shot a 90 each day.
The team championship earns the entire Cougar team a spot at the National Junior College Athletic Association Golf Championship June 4-7. This is Holyoke's first team regional championship since 2009 and the first during head coach Chris Stoddard's tenure. Stoddard has had several golfers qualify for nationals individually in his time as coach, including in each of the last three years. Richter and McGeary both qualified as individuals last year during their freshman seasons. Richter's individual regional championship is also Holyoke's first since 2009.
The Cougars will travel to Chautauqua Golf Club in Chautauqua, N.Y., to play in this year's national championship. The four-day tournament begins June 4.
Photos: (Main) The 2019 New England Champion Cougars L to R DeStephano, Richter, Coach Stoddard, Boissonneault, McGeary (Thumbnail) Richter watches his tee shot head toward the 17th green on day one of the New England Championship.
