GolfNewsRI

Rick Angeli has resigned his position as Hendricken golf coach and will be joining the Bryant golf team as an assistant under head coach Charlie Blanchard.

In 10 seasons at Hendricken, Angeli helped lead the team to two State Championships (2017, 2021) and a number of runner up finishes.

“It definitely was a tremendous experience. We won twice, had multiple runner up finishes, it was great. Hendricken is near and dear to my heart, I have a lifelong connection to the school,” Angeli told GolfNewsRI.

Now, it is on to a new challenge – college golf.

“As I approach retirement, I started looking at doing different things. I looked at college golf, I wanted to get some experience there and take on a new challenge,” said Angeli.

He continued, “I’ve known Charlie for a long time, talked to him in the fall and tried to see if we could work something out. He has a larger roster of kids and he could use the help. I’m looking forward to working with kids, albeit at a different level, I’m excited.”

Angeli will be an assistant coach and serve all functions that a coach serves, including recruiting players, traveling with the team and more. 

“I appreciate Charlie and Bryant giving me the opportunity, I’m gonna dig in and give it my best. Hopefully we are going to continue to grow the program to a national level,” Angeli said.

The Bryant golf team begins their season on March 9 at the Sacred Heart Invitational.

Angeli’s Hendricken Run

Angeli took over the Hendricken golf team in 2013 alongside Norm Alberigo, and the two began building the program into what it is now. 

“Early on there were some things that were asked of me in terms of growing the program, creating a JV team, making more opportunities for kids to participate. I had a good partner in Norm and we got to build the program. It was good. I had good kids to work with and kids that made the sacrifice and commitments to be successful,” said Angeli. 

Though, things didn’t exactly get off to a flying start. 

“When I got there, first or second year, we missed the cut at states which was kind of the low point,” Angeli recalled of the early days. 

Since then, Hendricken has won two state titles, eight Central Division Championships, three Challenge Cup Championships and two Hendricken Invitational titles. 

The Hawks have had 16 All-State Selections, 32 All Division Selections and five players have gone on to play college golf. 

“I think I did a good job in at least putting Hendricken Golf on the map because of things we did. Traveling to South Carolina to play national events, creating and hosting our own invitational. We never shied away from playing the best of the best,” said Angeli. 

The last state title, 2021, was extra special as Angeli got to coach his son, Ricky. 

“Having the opportunity to coach my own kid and win together, that’s something that I’ll have forever. When he graduated, I didn’t have any intention of leaving. We had another successful season last year, but things came together at the right time. It was a good fit for both of us,” he recalled. 

Reflecting on his time at Hendricken, Angeli adds, “It was a good place to be, a good place to kind of take a little of my hockey coaching mentality to golf. The school was extremely supportive of anything we needed. It wasn’t just all about the football, hockey, basketball and baseball programs. New Athletic Director Jamal Gomes is tremendous.” 

“I’m also grateful for our partnership with Warwick Country Club (Hendricken’s home course), Head Pro Matt Walsh and the membership. They are a big part of the Hawks success.”