The Cranston West golf team is in the midst of a breakout spring season as it topped East Greenwich on Monday to improve to 8-0-1 overall. With the win, the Falcons have the inside track toward their first Central Division title in over 20 years. 

West graduated three starters from last year’s team but have a crop of young standouts that have led the way. Jack Marques has been in the top spot on the lineup card, while Michael Farina, captain Eric Whitlock and Jagger Dion occupy the second, third and fourth spots, respectively. West has one of the deeper rosters in the state with 26 kids.

West coach Steve Hallas has been thrilled with the program’s development the past two years and has been proud to see his players’ commitment shine through.

“It was quite a bit of work, but the kids put it in. We’re trying to evolve while other teams peak. I’m impressed with how hard they’ve worked. They’re not satisfied, though, they want more. I knew they had the potential, I knew they could do it and they deserve it. Things are falling into place, they’re buying in and enjoying it,” said Hallas.

The key to the team’s success has been working out off the course while also taking advantage of the various opportunities to compete outside of the regular varsity schedule. 

“They put the work in at the gym, we look like a football team in there. They’ve been in the simulator, they’re playing in the big tournaments, the Challenge Cup tournaments. The more they play those, the more they put themselves out there, the less nervous they get,” said Hallas.

With a young core, the Falcons have also worked hard to manage the big-tournament pressure while learning to compete against some of the state’s perennial contenders. The state championship will be at Cranston Country Club on May 27-28, and the Falcons hope to make a splash.

“The nerves are starting to go away and they’re starting to learn how to stay focused. I tell them, ‘If you are feeling the pressure, put the pressure back on them and focus on your game.’ They need to know that they can compete with these teams, they’re ready,” Hallas said.