Written by: Richie Adenau '27

Published on: March 4, 2026

As the 2026 season approaches, the Saint Joseph golf team is focused on improving from last year and reaching their ambitious goals. With a combination of returning starters, new leaders, and developing younger players, the Falcons are preparing for the season ahead. 

Looking back at the 2025 season, the Saint Joe’s golf team posted a competitive 9-6 record, finishing fourth in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division.  Since then, a core group of experienced players has graduated, leaving the team with new challenges and opportunities.  With key golfers gone, the Falcons will look to new players to lead the team to a successful season.  

Two golfers who look to step up into this role are Matthew Probst ‘26 and Matthew Yacykewych ‘27.  Probst, a returning senior, aims to guide younger players and build off of last year’s chemistry.  “I want to set an example by leading through my work ethic, attitude, and how I carry myself on the course,” Probst said.  Just like Probst, Yacykewych is also a top Saint Joseph golfer who will lead in stats and leadership on and off the course.  As he enters his junior year, he is prepared to take on more responsibility and maintain a winning standard.

To prepare for the upcoming season, many Falcons have been working on their swings to try to stay consistent.  With no access to a real golf courses in the winter, Saint Joseph golfers use indoor simulators to stay sharp in the offseason.  These simulators help players with their mechanics, track their distances, and allows them to simulate real game play.  “We’ve really been focusing on finding out our weaknesses and turning them into strengths,” Yacykewych said.

The Saint Joseph golf team has set many goals for the 2026 season.  “Our goal is always to try and win the GMC Red Division, win a GMC County Championship, and perform well at NJSIAA sectionals to see if we can qualify as a team for the Tournament of Champions,” said Head Coach Ryan Lechner.  This will be no easy task, especially with the loss of many significant players.  To achieve these goals, the team will need to develop younger players so that they can be contributors in the lineup.  Younger players will need to work on their short game and course management, and continue to develop as competitive players.

In addition to Coach Ryan Lechner’s goals, Matthew Yacykewych ‘27 has goals of his own for his junior season. “Our main goals this season are to win a GMC championship, lower our team scoring average into the low 40s, compete strongly in every match, and qualify for postseason tournaments,” Yacykewych said.  On top of that, he just wants to enjoy his time on the course and build strong bonds with his teammates.

With new leaders emerging and a focus of development, the Saint Joseph Falcons are determined to build on last year’s chemistry and achieve their goals in the 2026 season.