North East, Pa. - The St. Thomas Aquinas Men’s golf team won their final event of the spring behind Norman Viron’s first collegiate victory. During the first round of play, the team was led by Donte Groppuso’s even parround of 72. Right behind him was Joe Tammaro who battled all day to put up a round of 73. Norman Viron was one shot behind Tammaro at 74, while Jake Yarmolowitz posted a solid round of 75. Rounding out the team scoring was Nolan Skaggs who was able to card a round of 77. The team’s first round score of 294 left them in first place ahead of host Mercyhurst by 7 shots and Gannon by 12 shots.

During the second round of play the team persevered through some serious adversity in the morning, with two members of the team getting stuck in an elevator for nearly 2 hours. Getting to the course just 15 minutes before play, the team remained focused and put together another excellent round of golf. Norman Viron shot the low round of the day, carding an impressive 1-under par 71. Joseph Tammaro fought all day to put up a round of 75, while Yarmolowitz followed with a round of 76. Rounding out the team scoring were Nolan Skaggs and Donte Groppuso who shot 76 and 77 respectively. The team’s final round score of 298 was good for a 10 shot victory over Gannon University. Norman Viron’s 2-day score of 145 (74-71) was good for a 3 shot victory; his first collegiate victory. This was also Coach Ferrara’s 50th career victory while coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas.

This was the Spartans final event of the spring before the East/Atlantic Regional in two weeks. The team will be looking to finish in the top 4 of the 20 team field to advance to their 8th National Championship in the last 15 years.