Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Golf Team Achieves a Season of Milestones 

The Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Golf team, known for its close-knit camaraderie and exceptional talent, finished the 2024 season with remarkable achievements, carving their names into the school's history books. 

The season's pinnacle occurred on Monday, April 22, at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course when senior Lance Hollingshead captured his third individual Somerset County Golf Championship, adding to his illustrious GSB career. 

Hollingshead, a GSB lifer who will continue his golfing career at the University of Notre Dame next fall, shot a stunning three-under-par to secure his second consecutive title. Although he won the county tournament as a freshman in 2021, a playoff loss as a sophomore prevented him from achieving four straight titles. 

Senior Porter Clark also delivered a commendable performance, shooting an 80 to place 16th out of 45 golfers. 

“This team had tremendous work ethic,” said Head Varsity Coach Matt Wiater. “As a group, they really committed to putting the time in to get better. In my first year as varsity coach, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.” 

This triumph followed Hollingshead's impressive seventh-place finish out of 122 golfers at the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions at the Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater, NJ. His one-under-par (71) score crowned him the NJSIAA Non-Public B Sectional Champion. 

As a team, the Knights showcased their prowess at the NJSIAA Non-Public North B Sectional Championship, securing third place out of eight teams. Clark led the team with an 83, placing 8th overall, while senior Alex Skiadas followed closely with an 85, finishing 10th overall. 

The team concluded the season on a high note, competing against Hunterdon Central at the Copper Hill Country Club and achieving a season-best score of 161. Hollingshead fired a 37, and junior Daniel Scali recorded a season and personal low of 39. 

“My favorite part of this group was how they pushed each other to improve and were genuinely excited for each other when they shot personal low rounds,” said Coach Wiater. “It was a great achievement for Hollingshead to conclude the season and make First Team All-State and for Clark to make Third Team Non-Public B.” 

With many seniors graduating, the team faces the challenge of filling significant roles next year. Congratulations to Michael Dumiec, Jeremiah Ng, Zia Riaz, Jack Ryan, Lance Hollingshead, Alex Skiadas, and Porter Clark on their outstanding careers at GSB. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future golfers. 

“I look forward to working with a young group of returners who want to put the work in to get better,” said Coach Wiater. “They have big shoes to fill!”