By Aarush Malmandi ’26
RAMSEY, NJ – DBP Varsity Golf Head Coach Gerard Ross set the tone for the 2025 season with a fairly simple, but impactful statement: “Show up!” Inspired by the words on the back of the photographer’s shirt during Bosco Golf’s media day, that phrase became more than just a motto, it became the team’s new mindset. During the first few matches of the season, the tone was set and it was clear: this season wasn’t just about winning; it was about maintaining focus, capitalizing on every opportunity and building a team that worked cohesively to succeed. It was a new chapter for Bosco Varsity Golf, and with the feeling that this season
would be better than ever, the expectations had risen.
One of the most exciting events of the season was the first-ever school Golf trip we took down to the prestigious Seaview Golf Club in South Jersey, in what became a major step towards developing team culture and strengthening relationships. The team played three competitive rounds at impeccable courses: Seaviews Bay Course, home to the LPGA Shoprite Classic, Twisted Dunes, and LBI National. All 3 courses offered unique challenges that sharpened the Ironmen’s skills and helped them perform outside of their comfort zone. But beyond the birdies, eagles and pars, the real victory stemmed from the team bonding that formed throughout the duration of the trip. Over the course of the trip, players connected with each other on a much deeper level. Whether it was laughs shared on the van rides, time spent by the pool, or intense match-play moments, the team grew closer. At the end of the trip, it was evident that the team had formed a foundation built on trust and camaraderie that would propel them into the season ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
That sense of friendship and bond carried the team into their regular season, where the team demonstrated a relatively strong performance. Finishing with 9 wins and 5 losses in our first 14 matches, the Ironmen showed glimpses of brilliance in some matches, coupled with experiences to learn from which exposed
areas for growth in others. Although we didn’t have a perfect record, it was clear that with several hours of practice and discipline, significant improvement is possible and that with the “Show up!” mindset, great things will happen. Some losses were greater than others, but in the end, the team walked away from the season not defeated, but determined. The team was as development-oriented as we were result-oriented, and with the right instruction from our Coaches, the team embraced each and every lesson with hunger and humility.
Throughout the season, several individual players posted standout performances,
proving that the members of the team were capable of competing at the highest level. One of the most memorable moments of the season came during the match against the Saint Joseph Regional Green Knights, best known for being the top team in the entire state of New Jersey. With a lineup consisting of multiple Division I commits, winning this match against Joe’s seemed far from possible at first. After 9 holes of competitive golf, Bosco put together an impressive aggregate score of 152, which was not far from Saint Joseph’s 148 and further proved our ability to perform at the highest level. In this very match, Junior Aarush Malmandi stunned the field by carding a 34 – earning medalist honors and posting the lowest score of the day. His round not only bested every member of the Saint Joe’s lineup, but also
topped State Champion Rory Asselta. It was truly a remarkable moment which showed that Bosco is no longer looking up to top programs, but actually starting to compete with them. A similar moment came on Division Day when Junior Julius Viray stepped up under brutal conditions and outperformed everyone in the playing field that day. With steady rain failing and the course playing long and wet, Viray delivered an impressive round of 33, claiming medalist honors and running away with the individual win. This once again proved Bosco’s ability to succeed in difficult and uncomfortable scenarios.
While Bosco may have not had as great of a season as Saint Joseph Regional, the message we delivered was loud and clear: the gap is closing. Here’s a little reminder for every program standing in our way: Bosco hasn’t even peaked yet. With an incredibly talented lineup of freshman standouts, next year’s season will be one to look out for. The season may not have ended with a championship, but it ended with something equally as important: trust. Trust in our abilities, trust in our
capacity to grow and trust in each other.
Coach Ross and the team have put together something special this year that will be carried on for decades to come. Bosco Varsity Golf took a huge leap in the right direction this season and had several defining moments which will be cherished by each and every one of our members for years to come. The members of the team “showed up” in every aspect of the game, and this is only the beginning. The future is bright and we as a team are excited for what’s to come.