HALFMOON — The Black Horses hit the links last week and came away with hardware, as the Schuylerville varsity boys golf team captured the Section 2 Class C/D Team Championship at the Fairways of Halfmoon.
The team posted a combined score of 244, led by Ryken Riper’s 78. Adam DeGregory shot an 81 for Schuylerville, while Kadin Converse shot an 85 to help the Black Horses win their second sectional title in the past three seasons.
“These kids are really competitive, and they absolutely love the game of golf,” said head coach Matthew Steinfort. “They’ve had really low rounds before, so it’s just a matter of trying to recreate that mindset, that attitude, and that mood, and go execute on that day. A credit to them, they went out there and they performed well.”
Steinfort credited the team for their commitment, saying the Black Horses’ golfers have been “constantly” on the course throughout the season. He said his message ahead of sectionals was “to take advantage of the opportunity, and to be the best version of themselves.”
“It’s about just trying to stay focused, and stay diligent about how you approach your game,” Steinfort said.
The Black Horses also captured the team title in 2021. Riper’s 78 was good for a third-overall finish individually, while DeGregory placed fifth and Converse tenth. The trio all earned spots at the state qualifier match, where the top nine golfers advanced to the state tournament.
Steinfort praised the trio’s consistency throughout the fall, and said his mindset entering state qualifiers was simply to let the golfers “do their thing.”
“These guys are good,” Steinfort said prior to state qualifiers. “It’s just a matter of me to be smart enough to stay out of their way, to let them go out there and do what they’re capable of doing. My part is to simply try to help instill confidence, and try to shape a loose and relaxed but focused frame of mind.”
DeGregory and Converse each advanced to the final round of state qualifiers, finishing in the top 20. DeGregory finished 10th in the final round, just missing the cut for a trip to the state championships, though he was named the first alternate. Converse finished 19th overall.
“They’re a competitive group. They play so much, and they put so much time into it, and they have the ability,” Steinfort said of the Black Horses’ team. He also pointed out that Riper, DeGregory, and Converse are all only juniors.
“So they do have one more year, and I’m just happy for those guys that they were able to get a second one in this three-year stretch,” continued Steinfort. “Hopefully they’ll have a good season next year as well, and put the work in.”
