Crusader Golf Qualify for States, Hunter, E. Bunis Lead the Way
Auburn senior captain Tyler Lamonda shot a solid 7-over 79 at the Highfields Golf Course in Grafton to help Rockets repeat as Central Mass. MIAA Division 2 champions. Groton-Dunstable was District Finalist in the 10-team field and qualified for the state title to be played at Gannon Municipal Golf Club in Lynn next Monday. St. Bernard junior Nate Marcoulier carded a 2-over 74, a round that included four birdies.
Auburn, with six seniors on the team, won with a score of 332, edging out Groton-Dunstable's 335.
Senior captain Brendan Hunter and Evan Bunis each shot 80 to lead Crusaders. Ryan Bunis carded a solid 83, while Greg Preston finished with a 92. For Crusaders, it will be only their second trip to the Division 2 state tournament which will be played Monday, Oct. 29 at Gannon Municipal Golf Club in Lynn.
"I knew they could do it if they just put it together," said Groton-Dunstable varsity golf coach Dave Bean. "We have had several individuals (Andrew Dhionis and Aaron Honkonen most recently) go to states before but this is the only second time the team has made it.
Coach Bean did not know what to expect this year. Hunter was his number one and Evan Bunis was solid but it was Ryan Bunis, Greg Preston and Ryan Doody thathad to step up. They did.
Hunter, whose round included a quadruple 9 on the ninth hole at Highfields, knew the team could have won. "Number nine got me again," he grumbled. The ninth is a 570 yard par 5, and the number one handicap hole on this Hale Erwin designed course. "Despite hitting my three-wood to play it safe, I hooked my drive out of bounds and had to re-tee." It got worse for Hunter who hit a knock-down seven iron to keep the ball out of the stiff wind on his approach to the green but the ball ended up over the green. "I chunked my chip and then left my putt five feet short, rimmed the cup coming back and it stayed out," remembers Hunter still shaking his head.
The amiable young man, who is making his second trip to states, gives credit for his success to Coach Bean and to his parents.
"Mr. Bean understands golf and he has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, energy and whatever else is involved, to the golf team. I have a lot of respect for him and hope to be as successful as he is when I am older," said Hunter.
"I would not be the caliber player and person I am today if it wasn't for him and my parents," he continued. "Both my father and mother work very hard for our family. My dad is a good golfer, tweaks my game a little and can give me a good run once in awhile." Hunter hopes to attend Thomas Aquinas College next year.
