Six decades ago, a high school industrial arts teacher and golf coach, a very good guy, drove us to our spring 9-hole matches, wished us good luck, and always finished by saying, “Play well, fellas, and exercise good sportsmanship. There was no, “Craig, slow that backswing down.” Back then, high school golf in New Hampshire was played in the April. New Hampshire has no spring. Spring means it’s mud season. It goes from winter straight to summer. The courses were often soaking wet, and the weather could feature snow on occasion. But, it was golf and we were a team, happy and ready to play.
Fast forward six decades! Fortunately for the athletes and their generously gifted coaches our high school golf season is played in autumn.
When we teed up the very first Canterbury Kiely Cup in 2005, we couldn’t have predicted how far this tournament would go—or how deeply it would seep into the fabric of Ohio high school golf. What began as an idea discussed over coffee — to honor our long-time assistant pro & caddy master, Mike Kiely, while introducing top high school golf talent to championship-caliber golf — has grown into something much greater: a celebrated tradition, an annual proving ground, and a proud reflection for which everything Canterbury Golf Club stands.
Over the past two decades, it’s been my privilege to serve as chairman of the Kiely Cup, and to witness its transformation into what many now consider the premier boys high school invitational tournament in the state. The early tournaments featured 18 holes, played the first Sunday after Labor Day. It’s a Sunday-Monday affair now played over 36 holes.
Our success didn’t happen overnight. It took passion, persistence, and dedication—from the earliest conversations with Tony Asher, Bill Keller, and the DeFino brothers, to the unwavering support of Canterbury members, such as Kevin Mackay, our Canterbury Heritage Foundation author, our head professionals, staff, volunteers, and the dedicated coaches and players who returned year after year. But it has always been about Mike—our one and only mentor, teacher, and resident priest.
And I want to say thank you — sincerely — to all of you.
The Kiely Cup is special not because of one person, but because so many came together to make it so. Thanks to Allen Freeman, the late Pat Galbenica, and Tim Rogers for covering the tournament. Special thanks to our celebrated banquet speakers, the late Terry Bonar, and to Mike LoPresti and their ground crews, who year after year kept one of America’s most historic courses in tournament shape so that our young players could experience the game at the highest level. Thank you to the head scorers, marshals, and registration teams who welcomed high schoolers like seasoned USGA pros.
And thank you to the players themselves, who approached each round with maturity, grit, and respect for the game. For over 20 years, we’ve watched many of them become state champions, college stars, and a few on tour. We’ve celebrated great golf, great sportsmanship, and perhaps most important, great camaraderie. No player has ever been disqualified. We’ve had one ace, and I was lucky enough to witness and photograph it with his mother by my side!
Thank you for the opportunity to steward this tradition. It has been an honor to meet of so many great kids, parents, and enthusiastic spectators.
By the way, this year the tournament commences at Canterbury Golf Club on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 pm. It will feature strong field of boys high school golf teams once again:
Archbishop Alter Knights, Coach: Alex Schuster
Anderson Raptors*, Coach: David Lunn
Archbishop Hoban Knights, Coach: Quinn Parker
Cardinal Mooney Cardinals*, Coach: Mary Theresa Bellino
Chagrin Falls Tigers, Coach: Anne Caja
Dublin Jerome Celtics, Coach: Brad Sparling
Hudson Explorers, Coach: Jason Berry
Olentangy Liberty Patriots, Coach: Ryan Snivley
Ottawa Hills Green Bears, Coach: Justin Kruse
Poland Seminary Bulldogs, Coach: Patrick Carden
St. Ignatuis Wildcats, Coach: Kevin Neitzel
Northwestern Huskies*, Coach: Ben Kretz
St. Xavier Bombers, Coach: Alex Nikias
University School Preppers, Coach: Aaron Sayre
Warren JFK Eagles, Coach: James LaPolla
* First Time Invitee
Come and watch 75 of the most talented high school players in Ohio play for the Kiely Cup. I’ll be there watching and cheering from the gallery.
For more historical information visit www.thekielycup.com.
