Wave Golf #2 in State, Flanagan is Top Coach

Jessica Fiddes

Posted June 22

Star Ledger Coach of the Year Sean Flanagan and players, from left, Frank Szucs '13, Nick Howard-Johnson '11, Bobby Kaminski '10 and John Voetsche '12 celebrate winning the State Non-Public A title on May17th.

From golfing ten hours a day during spring break in South Carolina to a number two in the state ranking, the Green Wave golf program had a quite a ride in 2010. The team was recently named All Daily Record Golf Team of the Year, and Coach Sean Flanagan is Star Ledger Coach of the Year. Four members -- Nick Howard-Johnson '11, Bobby Kaminski '10, Frank Szucs '13 and John Voetsche '12 -- were selected to the All Daily Record First Team.

Among a season of accomplishments, the highlight was winning the North Jersey, Non-Public A section at the Cranbury Golf Club in West Windsor,on May 17 where a sudden-death playoff between both team and individual finalists ended with victories for the Green Wave and individual golfer Bobby Kaminski '10.

Delbarton finished the season fifth in the Tournament of Champions, won Non-Public Group A, the Morris CountyTournament, the Northwest Jersey Conference Tournament and the conference crown. The Wave placed third in the Blue Devil Classic in Westfieldand and ended with a 17-0 record. Delbaton finished 2010 ranked No. 2 in TheStar-Ledger Top 20.

Coach Flanagan has two simple rules for his players: have fun out there, and the team comes first. In a season filled with awards and accolades, which one does their coach value most? "The thing I am most proud of is that the NJAC gave us the sportsmanship award this year. It says our kids are of good character and integrity. That means a lot."

Throughout the season Coach Flanagan emphasized the mental side of the game, encouraging players to think through a course and to work on their short game. He tips his hat to his predecessor, Green Wave Athletic Director Dan Whalen, for maintaining a strong golf tradition at Delbarton. Says Flanagan, "The kids understand they're lucky and privileged to be playing the game. And I felt blessed having coached them."

Congratulations to the Green Wave golf team and to Coach Sean Flanagan on an outstanding season. Go Wave Golf!