RHS Boys’ Golf
Garnets Focused on Capturing 12th Straight League Title

Eleven consecutive league titles don’t just happen by chance. It takes hard work, dedicated players and a committed head coach. Fortunately for Rye, all of those factors are in play as they attempt to make it 12 in a row.
Despite a roster with just one senior, the Garnets have swung to a 5-2 record with their only two losses coming in out-of-league matches with talented Rye Country Day. Head coach Pat Romano’s Garnets are led by a trio of special players — senior Sam Weiss and juniors Mark Mumford and John Davies — who enjoyed a championship season in 2007. With this season just beginning to heat up, a pair of crucial matches against Harrison loom, along with the Sectionals May 19, at Spook Rock.
“The first goal for the team is to win our league title,” said Romano. “Also we have to play well enough to qualify for the Section I team championship and have a chance to defend that title. And the two matches with Harrison are always important on our radar screen.” The first match with Harrison occurred post press time. The second takes place May 15, at Westchester Country Club.
Playing in the No. 1 spot for the Garnets has been Mumford, the junior who seems to get better with every match. He’s picked right up from a spectacular sophomore season, and is averaging 37.5 strokes per nine holes. Mumford is as consistent as they come, having yet to score outside of the thirties. His coach had nothing but rave reviews for his golfing.
“Mark has improved each year and has emerged yet again as one of the most talented junior players in our area and Section 1,” said Romano. “He plays a lot of tournament golf year round and that has really helped his game. His potential is unlimited if he puts in the work.” Romano added that it’s Mumford’s confidence and faith in his own ability that pushes him to success. Mumford’s lack of fear is on display in tournament situations, where he is not afraid to “go low” and shoot a round under par. “That’s the most impressive thing with Mark,” said Romano.
Weiss plays No. 2 and is averaging just a few strokes over par so far this season. The senior captain put forth his best performance earlier this year against Sunningdale with a 1-over par 36. “He’s off to a nice start, but I don’t think he’s played his best golf yet,” said Romano.
Rounding out the top three is Davies, who has had an up-and-down year thus far. The junior started off scoring well, but then ran into a mini-slump. Recently however, Davies has emerged from the slump and is getting back to what he does best. “He’s hitting the ball great and if he can get his putting together he'll give us a very tough 1, 2, 3 combination,” said Romano.
Rye also receives key contributions from a host of underclassmen, including junior Chris Barrett, sophomores David Hurst, Ted Bugniazet, and Jack Kelleher, and eighth grader Andrew Gladstone. “We want to qualify as many kids as possible for Sectionals and States,” said Romano. “But with only one senior on the team I’m already looking forward to next year!”

It will be no easy feat for the Garnets to match the accolades they garnered in 2007, when they finished 14-1, swept Harrison, earned the Section 1 team championship, took a part in Section 1’s State Title, and qualified eight players for Sectionals and three for States. But, it all starts with winning a 12th consecutive league title, something Rye has a good chance to do.