Irons Up: Regional Runners-Up Aim to Shave Off Strokes at State
In chilly conditions and under drizzling rain, Jesuit golfers soared to a Regional Runner-Up finish at the highly challenging Oak Course at Beau Chene Country Club, ranked the #6 toughest golf course in Louisiana by GolfLink.com.
Top programs going into Wednesday’s Region II event were St. Paul’s (District IV Champion), Jesuit (District IV Runner-up and 2018 Division I State Runner-up), Catholic High, Brother Martin, and Holy Cross. Eight teams teed it up with only four advancing; and as expected, the aforementioned programs, with the exception of Holy Cross, came in as the final four in that order—St. Paul’s, Jesuit, Catholic, and Brother Martin.
Jesuit No. 3 player, senior Jackson Maniscalco, carded a five-over 77 to finish tied for sixth and to improve by two strokes from his District IV Tournament score (79). District IV individual champion Andrew Barreca finished T-8 with a 79, and 2018 state team leader Britton Khalaf finished T-11 with a score of 80. Jesuit No. 4 player, senior John Bendernagel, finished strong with a nine-over 81 to close out the Top 14 individuals. No. 5 player Merrick Rotolo shot 93 and finished T-20. The Jays hope to shave off a few strokes to have a chance at their second state title in the past three years.
Through the Lens…
View the Photo Gallery from the Region II State-Qualifying Tournament

Senior co-captain and low man Jackson Maniscalco squats down to read his putt as his Brother Martin playing partner walks behind him. Jesuit’s team score of 317 was 23 strokes better than Catholic League champion Br. Martin’s score of 340.
By the Numbers…
In His Words…
“The team played well on the toughest course we play during the postseason,” head coach Owen Seiler ’75 stated after the regional tournament. “I feel our guys will perform well at The Wetlands as it is a more forgiving course, and the top teams should go low! Our guys are focused to play well and to post their best scores of the year on this upcoming Monday and Tuesday.”
On the Horizon…
The Jays play in the LHSAA State Golf Championships on Monday and Tuesday, April 29 & 30, at The Wetlands Golf Course in Lafayette. The multi-division event, which has become a staple on the local golf calendar over its first four years, will feature The Wetlands course for the second year in a row.
Golf Page on the Jesuit Website
Galleries
Golf 2019, Region II Tournament, Beau Chene Country Club, April 24, 2019
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Senior John Bendernagel and freshman Merrick Rotolo
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Britton Khalaf
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Andrew Barreca
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Barreca at impact
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Barreca follows through.
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Jackson Maniscalco takes the club back and...
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...through.
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Merrick Rotolo rolls his putt.
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Maniscalco scans the green.
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Khalaf eyes down his target.
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Khalaf watches his shot.
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Barreca hits the putt.
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Rotolo listens to advice from head coach Owen Seiler.
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Bendernagel scans the green before...
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...sinking a putt.