SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego State men's golf team was in the midst of another solid season in 2019-20 until the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck the United States and effectively changed all sports (college and professional) as we know it. Some leagues chose to suspend events, while others, like the NCAA, chose to cancel the rest of competition.
Just like that, collegiate golf was over for Aztec seniors Ambrose Abbracciamento and Newport Laparojkit. No chance to try and make the starting five at the Mountain West or NCAA Regionals. No opportunity for a final collegiate tournament. No possibility of closure or celebration with their fellow teammates.
The duo, however, were both key players within the San Diego State program after transferring from other schools earlier in their career.
"Our two seniors were a huge part of our success on and off the course," head coach Ryan Donovan said. "This was the best chemistry we have ever had in my 17 years of coaching and it starts with the seniors. Their leadership was so valuable and we wish them the best in the next phase of life. Go Aztecs!"
Abbracciamento spent two years with the Aztecs after coming from Hartford after the 2017-18 season, where he was a two-time all-Big Sky Conference performer and a two-time all-New England Division I selection. Abbracciamento captured Big Sky Player of the Week honors on seven occasions and recorded the second-lowest single-season scoring average in Hartford men's golf history with a 72.08 clip during the 2017-18 campaign.
Abbracciamento competed in eight tournaments in his two seasons with SDSU, recording a 73.36 scoring average in 11 rounds this past season. He finished in a tie for third at the Olympic Collegiate Invitational and tied for 15th at the Coronado Individual. As a junior in 2018-19, Abbracciamento posted a 76.75 scoring average in 12 rounds with a best finish of T-16th at the Pioneer Creek Collegiate.
Ambrose Abbracciamento at a Glance
Honors
* Two-time New England Division I Selection (2016-17 and 2017-18)
* Two-time All-Big Sky Conference Selection (2016-17 and 2017-18)
* Seven-time Big Sky Conference Player of the Week
Career Collegiate Low 18: 65 (Feb. 26, 2018)
Career Collegiate Low 54: 199 (Feb. 25-26, 2018)
Hometown: Newtown, Pa.
High School: Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School
Major: Economics
Driver Carry Distance: 285 yards
7 Iron Carry Distance: 170 yards
Lifetime Hole-in-Ones: None :(
Favorite Golf Club: Driver
Favorite Golf Course: Sherwood Country Club
Favorite Golf Movie: The Greatest Game Ever Played
Favorite Professional Golfer: Xander Schauffele
Favorite Pre-Round Food: Steak and eggs
Random Fact: He's a classically trained pianist
Post Collegiate Plans: Professional golf or banking
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Laparojkit, meanwhile, came to The Mesa after two seasons at South Carolina Beaufort, where he garnered first-team NAIA All-America accolades as a sophomore and was a semifinalist for the NAIA Jack Nicklaus Award. Laparojkit, who was in consideration for the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup, led the Sand Sharks to the 2018 Sun Conference Championship and a 11th-place finish at the NAIA Championships. He was third-team NAIA All-American in 2017, a freshman All-American, a seven-time Sun Conference Player of the Week and the team's MVP both of his years at USCB.
At San Diego State, Laparojkit competed in 10 tournaments over his two seasons. This past season across five tournaments, he posted a scoring average of 72.07, which ranked fourth on the team (min. 10 rounds played). Laparojkit played twice in the team's starting five, tying for 19th at the Bill Cullum Invitational and tying for 55th at the Lamkin Grips San Diego Classic. Overall, he logged four top-20 finishes in five tournaments. As a junior during the 2018-19 campaign, Laparojkit recorded a 73.27 scoring average in 15 rounds with a pair of seventh-place finishes.
Newport Laparojkit at a Glance
Honors
* Two-time NAIA All-American (first team in 2017-18, third team in 2016-17)
* Jack Nicklaus Award Semifinalist (2017-18)
* NAIA Freshman All-American (2016-17)
* Seven-time Sun Conference Player of the Week
Career Collegiate Low 18: 67 (Oct. 8, 2019)
Career Collegiate Low 54: 207 (Oct. 7-8, 2019)
Hometown: Montebello, Calif.
High School: IMG Academic
Major: Economics
Driver Carry Distance: 280 yards
7 Iron Carry Distance: 175 yards
Lifetime Hole-in-Ones: 2
Favorite Golf Club: Putter
Favorite Golf Course: Lakeside Golf Club
Favorite Golf Movie: Tin Cup
Favorite Professional Golfer: Tiger Woods
Favorite Pre-Round Food: Jersey Mike's sub
Random Fact: He is a great cook
Post Collegiate Plans: Turn professional and get on the PGA Tour