DBP Varsity Golf (left to right): Coach John Finn, Lucas Hofmeister (Senior), Stephen Viray (Junior), Cameron Ward (Junior), Coach Gerard Ross, Aarush Malmandi (Freshman), Nick Theodorou (Sophomore), Julius Viray (Freshman)
By Stephen Viray ’24
RAMSEY, NJ – The 2023 Don Bosco Prep Varsity Golf team, spearheaded by Captains Stephen Viray (Junior) and Lucas Hofmeister (Senior), came into the season as underdogs. In the preseason rankings this year, the Ironmen were ranked 2nd in the County – behind their long-time rivals Bergen Catholic – and outside of the top 10 in the State of New Jersey. However, with the addition of two strong Freshmen in Julius Viray and Aarush Malmandi, as well as the development of core players Cameron Ward and Nick Theodorou, the team was bound for a strong season.
The Ironmen came out of the gate on fire. The team shot a 147 in the first match of the season, followed up by a school record 142 in the third match, led by scores of 33 and 35 from Captain Viray and Ward, respectively. The team continued its dominant performance throughout the month of April, placing tied for first in the Garden State Cup – a tournament featuring the top teams from all over New Jersey. The following week, the Ironmen continued their hot streak with a win at the FDU Invitational, sparked by a winning individual performance from Aarush Malmandi. They finished the month of April with a 12-1 record, and set another school record of 140 in the process. Their victories included wins over their rivals St. Joseph Regional and Bergen Catholic, as well as the County’s #1 ranked public school, Ramapo.
The DBP Varsity Golf Team continued its dominance throughout May, securing a League title with yet another series of victories against both Bergen and St. Joseph on the first of the month. In the final stretch of the season, the team performed well in a number of major tournaments. They placed third in the Conference Tournament, fourth in their State Sectional, and won the Bergen County Championship for 2023.
The Ironmen were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments this season, with a number of the members winning awards:
- Gerard Ross- Coach of the Year for the League
- Stephen Viray- First Team All League, First Team All County
- Aarush Malmandi- First Team All League, Second Team All County
- Cam Ward- First Team All League, Second Team All County
- Lucas Hofmeister- Second Team All League
- Julius Viray- Second Team All League
- Nick Theodorou- Second Team All League
- Dom Cannao- Honorable Mention All League
The 2023 Ironmen Golf team was a force to be reckoned with all over New Jersey. The growth of the young team members and the coming senior year for Viray and Ward show great promise for future seasons. This year, the team truly exemplified dedication, skill, and teamwork, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of Bosco Sports.