STANDISH, ME – The Saint Joseph's College golf team looks to build off an encouraging 2010 season under the watch of eighth-year Head Coach Jamie Smyth '92 this fall.

Led by freshman Kevin Richardson (Coventry, Conn.), the 2010 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Year, the Monks showed marked improvement across the board last season - the 2010 team cut over 30 strokes off the team's 36-hole average (678.8) and nearly 20 off the 18-hole average (334.8) - and figure to be even stronger this fall.

Seven linkers return from the inspiring 2010 club and all seem primed to improve upon their 2010 efforts after diligently working on their craft over the summer. Senior captains Ebb Walton (Blue Hill, Maine) and T.J. Garske (Federal Way, Wash.) will help Coach Smyth keep the 2011 squad focused as the pair is expected to provide strong leadership for a roster that includes two freshmen, two sophomores, three juniors and three seniors.

Aside from Walton – who led the 2010 GNAC Championship field with a 78 card through 18 holes – and Garske, the Monks' also return Jeff Hilton (Limington, Maine) and Jake Brown (Lewiston, Maine), two consistent contributors last fall. St. Joe's graduated one senior, Captain Michael Patrick, from the 2010 team.

The primary goal this year is to contend for the program's first GNAC title. The objective is within reach if the returners continue to improve and the newcomers, freshmen David Kapelson (Litchfield, N.H.) and Steve Simonds (Steep Falls, Maine), reach their potential after strong showings in the Monks' tryout sessions.