The St. Thomas Aquinas Golf team traveled to western Pennsylvania for the Hal Hansen Invitational hosted by Clarion University. The event, being played at Grove City Country Club, included most of the top teams from the Atlantic region. During the first round of play the Spartans were led by newcomer Donte Groppuso who carded a brilliant round of 69 (-3). Freshman Nolan Skaggs was second on the team shooting a round of 75, while fellow freshman Tanner Little carded a 76. Seniors Jake Yarmolowitz and Joseph Tammaro rounded out the scoring with rounds of 79 and 80. Their team score of 299 left the team in 4th place after the first round of play.
During the second round of play the Spartans were led by Nolan Skaggs. Skaggs played a solid round of golf, posting an even par 72. Jake Yarmolowitz rebounded nicely, shooting a 75, while Tanner Little posted a second straight 76. Joe Tammaro finished his tournament with a round of 79, while Donte Groppuso carded a 73. Groppuso’s 2-day score of 142 (-2) was good for a tie for first place forcing a playoff between Mercyhurst’s Ryan Peters. After both making par of the first playoff hole, Peters was able to par the difficult 2nd hole while Groppuso made bogey. The Spartan’s final round score of 296 left them in a tie for 3rd place behind the champions from Mercyhurst University.