Archbishop Stepinac High School’s golf team secured the 2026 CHSAA Championship, defeating St. Peter’s by a decisive 5-0 margin and capturing the program’s second consecutive league title. The victory marks the first time in school history that Stepinac has won back-to-back CHSAA Golf Championships and represents the program’s third championship in the last ten years.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Matthew Hogan, the Crusaders continued a remarkable run of success that began with the program’s first championship a decade ago. This year’s title comes on the 10-year anniversary of Coach Hogan’s first championship-winning team and further cements Stepinac’s place among the premier golf programs in the CHSAA.
In the championship match, Stepinac quickly established control, with every golfer contributing to the dominant performance:
· Sebastian Riendeau ’26 of Larchmont won his match 4 up with 3 holes to play.
· Josh Kim ’29 of New Fairfield, CT earned a commanding 6 up victory with 5 holes remaining.
· Jack Bell ’29 of Elmsford won 4 up with 3 holes to play.
· Kian Murphy ’28 of Yorktown secured a 4 up victory with 3 holes remaining.
· Doug Wallace ’27 of Peekskill was leading 4 up with 4 holes to play when the match was called after the championship had been decided.
The Crusaders’ postseason dominance was evident throughout the playoffs. Not a single match reached the final hole, as Stepinac closed out every opponent before a full round could be completed. The accomplishment stands in stark contrast to the program’s previous championship runs, each of which required at least one match to go to extra holes.
The future remains bright for the Crusaders as well. The championship lineup featured just one senior among the five golfers whose scores counted toward match results, while two additional seniors served in alternate roles, giving Stepinac a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.
“After last year’s success with Quinn Egan as the number one golfer, we heard plenty of skeptics questioning the team’s ability to win,” said Coach Hogan. “I think the three players who went back-to-back and the two freshmen who took key spots in the current roster showed everyone that golf is a team sport, contrary to what most people think. The team wins when every individual contributes the best they have. That’s why I believe year after year, the only golfers that can defeat us will be ourselves.“
With championships in 2016, 2025, and 2026, the Crusaders have established a tradition of excellence that continues to grow. This historic back-to-back championship, the first in program history, further reflects the dedication, talent, and teamwork that define Archbishop Stepinac High School athletics.
