Lower, Middle continue local golf tradition honoring former coach

Posted: April 22nd 2024

For local high school golf, it’s a tradition like no other.

The golf teams from Lower Cape May and Middle Township got together last Thursday for the fourth annual Paul Yerk Cup, a match named in memory of the former longtime Middle golf coach and Lower Township school board member.

Lower Cape May won this year’s match, played at its home course of Cape May National Golf Club, 175-210.

Each year, the home team hosts a dinner for both teams after golf. This year’s dinner was held in the Richard M. Teitelman School cafeteria and was catered by Italian Affair in North Cape May.

Further making the match unique is, in a tradition that began more than 10 years ago by former Middle coach Will Mendo and former Lower coach Jeff Wunder, parents are permitted to walk the course to watch their sons and daughters play, a practice that is not normally allowed in high school golf.

Lower Cape May’s Matthew Riess led all golfers with a 41, his best score to date this season. Other scorers for Lower included Alex Sekela (44), Randy Duly (44) and Eric Coombs (46). Cole Bada (50) and Kyle Rosselli (54) also participated in the varsity match for Lower.

Cody Rosensteel led Middle with a 47. Middle’s other scorers include Stephen Morris (52), Matthew Radzieta (54) and a tie between Bella Gibboni (57) and Stelios Stahakopoulos (57). Ava Rusko (59) also participated in the varsity match for Middle.

Lower is coached by Anthony D’Aleo, while Middle is coached by Rewi Thompson.

– BRIAN CUNNIFF