Herlihy Realizes Team and Individual Honors At SCC Golf Championship

June 19, 2009 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School senior golfer Pat Herlihy had a single goal heading into the New Haven Country Club on May 19: help his team capture the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship. That goal came along with an unsuspected honor for the Fordham University (Bronx, New York) bound athlete.
Not only did Cheshire realize their first SCC crown since 1997, but Herlihy also earned the individual championship by shooting a 75. Herlihy was in the last group coming off the course and was pleasantly surprised by the good news. Cheshire (320) finished six strokes better than rival Fairfield Prep (326).
“Individually, it wasn’t a personal goal of mine. At the beginning of the year, we thought we had a shot to win it this year,” said Herlihy, a captain with classmates Matt Goggins and Matt Reims. “I was even more astounded to help our team take the SCC Tournament. I’m glad all the hard work paid off in the end. I felt accomplished and you don’t often get that feeling in golf.”
Herlihy knew he was shooting well by keeping up with Fairfield Prep standout Brian Hughes, who finished runner-up at 76.
“I started off alright, but at (holes) 5, 6, and 7, I was grinding it out,” explained Herlihy. “I end up bogeying 17, but birdied the next hole to go to 75. I knew I had played well.”
Herlihy’s work ethic is indicative of the CHS program as a whole. Players dedicate themselves to getting better outside high school, playing the Connecticut Junior PGA Tour over the summer. Herlihy was named the Most Improved Golfer as a sophomore and has been a consistent contributor ever since.
“There was a strong senior presence during his first two years, so he didn’t get attention until his junior season,” said Cheshire Head Coach Dan Lee. “For him to shoot a 75, it was great. He just wanted his team to win and shied away from individual accolades. He is more concerned about how the team does and I think that is a good trait to have.”
Reims finished fourth (79) to join Herlihy with All-SCC honors for the first time. Junior Greg Palmer (13th, 82), Goggins (23rd, 84), and junior Dean Hajedemos (25th, 85) also cracked the top 25 overall. Reims, Goggins, and Herlihy have formed a close friendship over the last four years.
“It was great. As seniors, we wanted to guide the team to lengths we haven’t reached in awhile,” said Herlihy, who feels it will be weird not playing with his friends. “We played summer tournaments together and it would be like an hour and a half ride. I couldn’t have asked to play with two better people and it’s been a great adventure along the way.”
Experience has served them well in traveling to courses around the state. The captains have a better feel for how to attack a course and pass that along to their teammates.
“Anytime you have a senior laden team, it’s rewarding to see them progress. They have taken advantage of the opportunities before them,” said Lee,. “I’ve enjoyed the leadership of the captains and they’ve set a good example for the team.”
Cheshire’s title chase started last season when they returned just one senior. Despite graduating a deep senior class, the Rams surprised observers by winning the Housatonic Division title and finishing third at the SCC Meet.
“As a team, we’ve become a lot closer over the last year,” Herlihy said. “We started realizing how strong we are as a team and finally put it together.”
The team aspect has been at the heart of their success this spring. All of the top five golfers have been medalist at least once, something Herlihy hasn’t seen in his time with the program.
“I think it’s a great situation to be in. A lot of guys worked hard in the off-season,” said Lee. “It’s not just the first guy, but sometimes the fifth player has stepped up to be the medalist. It creates a competitive atmosphere against our opponent.”
Cheshire defended their Housatonic Championship (8-0; 17-3 overall record) and used depth during matches like a 157-159 victory against host Fairfield Prep on May 13. Hajedemos was the last one off the course, earning medalist status with a 36. Reims and Goggins each shot 40, while Herlihy fired a 41. The Rams haven’t beaten the state powerhouse since Lee took over in 2007.
“That was amazing especially on a day where we all shot well,” said Herlihy. “Dean Hajedemos was very strong on a tough course at Brooklawn (Country Club). It showed us that we could put it together and beat a team like that.”
“I think we are fortunate to play in the SCC,” added Lee. “Golf is a unique sport because you are playing against a course instead of an opponent. We played some challenging courses this year.”
Cheshire wrapped up by taking 13th place (328) at the Division I Tournament, held June 9. Palmer (77), Herlihy (79), Hajedemos (85), Goggins (87), and Reims (89) participated in their first high school match at Fairview Farms in Harwinton.
“The state tournament didn’t go well for us. It didn’t diminish what we accomplished as a team,” said Herlihy. “The fifth seed at states is one of the best we’ve had in a long time.”
Herlihy is excited about the opportunity to keeping playing golf at the next level. Fordham, coached by Bob Dillon, placed 12th at the 2009 Atlantic-10 Championship.
“I looked at academics first and then once I chose Fordham, I spoke to their coach and liked him,” explained Herlihy. “I was looking for Division I competition, along with a mix of academics. They have a great business school.”
Reims is also considering to play at the Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, New Hampshire). Lee feels comfortable about the program’s future despite graduating their senior class. Palmer and Hajedemos will captain the 2010 team.
“Only five golfers can play in a match. The kids have worked hard knowing that they will get their chance in the next couple years,” said Lee.