Posted: Jan 04, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tesori in his 14th Season with the Dolphins.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida – The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), in collaboration with the PGA of America, announced on Monday that Le Moyne men's golf coach Joe Tesori is the recipient of the prestigious 2020 Labron Harris Sr. Award.
This award is presented to the college or high school coach, and Class A PGA Professional, whose support of the game through teaching, coaching and involvement in the community has helped ensure the continued growth of the game of golf and represent the finest qualities the game has to offer.
“I am especially proud to congratulate PGA Member Joe Tesori," said PGA Honorary President Suzy Whaley. "Joe was my coach, mentor and friend who guided me to the professional career I have today, and he is an amazing influence on the lives of so many talented players at Le Moyne College."
Joe Tesori is in his 14th season with the Dolphins. During his time at Le Moyne, the program has been a regular participant in the NCAA Regional Tournament, qualifying nine times during his tenure. The Dolphins achieved national recognition by advancing to the National Finals in 2015 (Charlotte, 20th), 2016 (Denver,18th) and in 2017 (Orlando, narrowly missing match play and finishing a school-best 13th).
“I’m not usually speechless, but I was humbled and honored,” said Tesori when asked on the award's significance to him.
“We don’t do what we do in this business for awards. We do it for the student-athletes, our players, and the relationships,” continued Tesori. “I immediately thought, what a wonderful thing for Le Moyne College. I thought of all of my current and former players and am so grateful for the chance I have had to coach at my alma mater.”
Over his 14-year coaching career, Tesori has garnered plenty of national awards. Tesori is a member of the PGA National Hall of Fame (2017), The Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame (2013), Central NY PGA Hall of Fame (2002) and the Le Moyne College Gold Wave Hall of Fame (1990).
The Endicott, N.Y., native was a member of the PGA Tour in 1980-81, served as the Head Golf Professional at the Syracuse University-owned Drumlins Golf Club for 28 seasons and is currently the Head Golf Professional at The Pompey Club. Highly respected in the golf arena, Tesori served as president of the CNY-PGA from 1999-2004, was golf columnist for the Syracuse Post Standard from 1988-2010 and co-hosted a weekly radio program on WSYR AM-570 from 1988-1995. The 1971 graduate of Le Moyne was the first Dolphin to qualify for the NCAA Championship (1971-Chico, California), competing against such luminaries as former Vice President Dan Quale, NBC golf commentator Mark Rolfing and former PGA Tour player/legendary CBS analyst Gary McCord.
-Release provided by Golf Coaches Association of America-
ABOUT THE GCAA:
Established in 1958, the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) is the professional organization of golf coaches. The GCAA's mission is to support its member coaches by creating educational opportunities, providing resources, and promoting its members with the purpose of enhancing their overall performance as coaches, mentors, and teachers. The GCAA also recognizes the excellence and achievements of its members and their student-athletes in academic, athletic and civic endeavors.
ABOUT THE NE10
Beginning its 40th anniversary season, the NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
