Hawerchuk and Buczak Represent CCSU Men's Golf on All-Northeast Conference Teams

A pair of Central Connecticut men's golfers were named All-Northeast Conference selections by the league office this afternoon. Sophomore Eric Hawerchuk, the Northeast Conference Men's Golf Championship medalist this season, represented the Blue Devils on the first team, while senior Tim Buczak appeared on the second team. It was Buczak's third career all-conference honor.

Hawerchuk, who shot 68-69-75 to win wire-to-wire at the Northeast Conference Championships, led Central Connecticut with a 74.8 stroke average in 2008-09. He had a team-best four top-10 finishes, not including a tie for fifth at the Patriot Shootout, while appearing in all 23 rounds over 12 events. In addition to winning the NECs, Hawerchuk tied for fourth at the Peacock Invitational and tied for seventh at the ECAC Championships and the New England Championships. He shot a season-low 67 at the Rutgers Invitational. It was one of four below par rounds. Two of those rounds came on the International Course at ChampionsGate Golf Club, the site of the NEC Championships.

With his win at the conference tournament, Hawerchuk was selected by the NCAA Division I Men's Golf committee to participate in the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships. The Orangeville, Ontario native is one of five individuals slated to compete alongside 14 teams at the Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway, NJ on May 14-16. The low five teams and the low individual not on those teams will advance to the finals, which will be played May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Buczak, meanwhile, is making his third appearance on an All-NEC team. He was voted to the second team this year after earning the award with a tie for sixth at the conference meet in 2006 and a tie for eighth in 2008. In past seasons, the top-10 finishers at the league championship earned all-conference status. Coaches voted for NEC Golfer of the Year, NEC Rookie of the Year and the All-NEC teams this season.

Buczak posted a 77.4 stroke average over 20 rounds in 2008-09. He participated in all but one event, posting a season-best tie for sixth at the Northeast Invitational hosted by Rhode Island. It was one of two top-10 efforts, not including a tie for ninth at the Patriot Shootout. The Meriden, CT native tied for 10th at the Peacock Invitational, and twice tied for 11th (Rutgers Invitational, Patriot Intercollegiate). He shot a season-low 69 at Rutgers.

The duo of Hawerchuk and Buczak helped guide Central Connecticut to a second place finish at the NEC Championships.

Sacred Heart, the 2009 Northeast Conference Men's Golf Champions, swept the golfer of the year and rookie of the year honors. Senior Patrick Fillian was tabbed the NEC Golfer of the Year. Freshman Leo Garcia earned NEC Rookie of the Year honors.

Full Northeast Conference Release