Archbishop Stepinac High School captured its first golf championship since 2016 in dramatic fashion, edging out rival Fordham Prep 3-2 in an overtime thriller that displayed the poise, depth, and resilience of a team nine years in the making.
The match, played under clear skies at James Baird State Park, saw the #2-seeded Crusaders deliver clutch performances across the lineup. Sebastian Riendeau ’26 of New Rochelle (#2) anchored the early momentum, battling back on the 18th hole to clinch his match after surrendering a three-hole lead. Captain Quinn Egan ’27 of White Plains (#1) engaged in a hard-fought match but fell 2 Down against Fordham’s top golfer, Cormac Smith. In the third slot, David Simms ’25 of Yonkers was bested by Nico Conte, whose chip-in sealed a 4 & 2 victory for Fordham Prep.
With the match tied and all eyes turning to the final pairings, Stepinac’s Kian Murphy ’28 of Yorktown Heights (#4) and Doug Wallace ’27 of Peekskill (#5) stepped into the spotlight. Murphy, who had been up by three, was pushed to a playoff after Fordham’s Matt Cipriani won the 17th and 18th holes. Meanwhile, Wallace and Fordham’s Eddie Rice went putt-for-putt, tying their match to force a double playoff.
Needing three full match victories to claim the championship, Stepinac returned to the course for extra holes. Wallace and Murphy got the job done. After Fordham misfired on their approach shots, the underclassmen capitalized and secured the title on the first playoff hole—with Quinn Egan ’27 and alternate Kellan Higgins ’25 of Yonkers on the bag for support.
“It’s been nine years since the last time Stepinac won a championship,” said Head Coach Matt Hogan, now in his 14th year. “Today showed the character of our kids. We had success in the regular season, so everyone had a chance to step up. Today there were two young guys, but this was a team win. We all won this together.”
When asked about Wallace and Murphy’s heroics, Hogan added: “Not sure if they fully understood the magnitude of the moment, but they were stone cold. After having chances to win it in regulation, they went right back out and won it in the playoff.”
“This is definitely one of the best teams in the 14 years I’ve been coach,” Hogan continued. “We did not fly under the radar this year, and the kids delivered. They carved their own legacies.”
Assistant Coach Casey Helber shared similar praise: “I’m incredibly proud of the dedication these boys showed. From early mornings in the simulator at Stepinac to after-school sessions, focusing on their mental game and remaining open to coaching. They worked hard, and we feel fortunate to be part of their journey.”
Sebastian Riendeau ’26 summed up the experience simply: “This feels amazing. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how bad you are, it just matters in the moment how we play. Now, we’re the champions.”
Captain Quinn Egan ’27, who has been a steady presence in the lineup, praised the team’s unity: “Everybody must buy in for us to win. I’m happy for Doug and Kian and how they managed themselves in their first seasons in the lineup. We’re excited to bring the title back to Stepinac.”
Results:
· #1 Quinn Egan (Stepinac) vs. Cormac Smith (Fordham Prep) – Lost 2 Down
· #2 Sebastian Riendeau (Stepinac) vs. Julio Rodas-Rhim (Fordham Prep) – Won on 18
· #3 David Simms (Stepinac) vs. Nico Conte (Fordham Prep) – Lost 4 & 2
· #4 Kian Murphy (Stepinac) vs. Matt Cipriani (Fordham Prep) – Won in playoff
· #5 Doug Wallace (Stepinac) vs. Eddie Rice (Fordham Prep) – Won in playoff
