2003-04 Villanova Men's Golf: Season Outlook :: Consistency the key for this year's squad.

Aug. 25, 2003

The struggles of last season's Villanova men's golf team can be traced to one word: inconsistency. Several Wildcats showed flashes of brilliance throughout the fall and spring seasons, including Henry Watson, the individual winner at the Rehoboth Beach Invitational. But Villanova was unable to put together a total team effort, which resulted in many disappointing finishes. With several talented golfers on board for 2003-04, head coaches Jake Moran and Joe Moran look to lead the Wildcats back to the prominence that the program experienced during the late-1980's.

Drastic times call for drastic measures, and in an effort to turn the program around, the Moran brothers have decided to reduce the roster size to nine. With only five returning golfers guaranteed roster spots, that leaves four experienced upperclassmen and seven incoming freshmen battling for four positions.

Leading the list of the five-guaranteed team members is senior captain Matt Gugino. The Leroy, N.Y. native will be followed closely by classmate John Keller, junior Charlie Nettleton and a pair of sophomores, Jonathan Hewett and Henry Watson. All five finished the 2002-03 season with sub-79 average scores.

Clearing the way for the newcomers is the departure of the class of 2003, Joe Ryan and John Ward. Head coach Joe Moran said of the pair, "They were outstanding young men, and we will miss their leadership."

The fall season gets underway on Sept. 20 at the James Madison Invitational. This year's schedule is similar to last year's, except that the Morans have spaced out some of the tournaments in an effort to avoid burnout. Also, a few of the tournaments have been changed to a 54-hole format.

In terms of style of play, Joe Moran said, "the short game will be our specialty. You have to focus on it to be successful, because so many valuable strokes can be lost around the green."

Golf professional Stu Ingraham will once again guide the Wildcats at their home course, Overbrook Golf Club in Radnor. The individualized attention and tour experience that he provides will play a large role in the 'Cats performance this season.