Golf inks four in early signing period

Article Submitted By Head Coach Matthew Oleski 

Niagara County Community College’s golf team enjoyed its best season in school history in 2022 - breaking multiple team records, individual records, Region III records, had multiple NJCAA All-Americans and finished fourth in the country.  Returning a core of All-American players sets up another opportunity for team success in the spring of 2023, but beginning next season it will be a fresh canvas for head coach Matthew Oleski as he will not be returning any players.

"Roster turnover is the ultimate challenge for a JUCO coach," Oleski said. "Recruiting never ends if you want to have a good team. I am really pleased with the players who have decided to attend NCCC and continue their golf careers in the fall of 2023. I think some of these guys have real strong foundations to pair with high ceilings if they work hard and develop."

2023 Signees 

• Ryan Kates (Kenmore East) - Niagara Frontier League: Senior Season 37 Stroke Average (Sectional Qualifier)
• Teddy Swiech (Lancaster) - Erie County Interscholastic Conference: Senior Season 40.22 Stroke Average (Sectional Qualifier)
• Adam Firkins (Lockport) - Niagara Frontier League: Senior Season 40.27 Stroke Average (Sectional Alternate)
• Charlie Nuttle (Holland) - Erie County Interscholastic Conference: Senior Season 43.85 Stroke Average

"It’s always both an exciting and uneasy feeling starting with a new group as a coach," Oleski said. "The best part of the job is getting to know your new recruits on a more personal level so you can find the best way to help in the development process. Junior college athletics is a path for players to learn and grow and I am a firm believer that you get out what you put in. It’s always nice to have projections, but watching the players build confidence between the fall and spring season is usually when you know whether you’re going to have a good season or not."

"The recruiting period is not finished just yet," Oleski added. "I am still having conversations with a couple of state qualifiers from Section VI as well as some other talented players in the ECIC, NFL and N-O. If we get a couple more players to add to these four guys we can really start to think about extended success for the NCCC golf program."