SHS Boys Golf Swings for the Top

Despite lacking a significant amount of varsity experience, the boys golf team posted a respectable 10-7 record in 2010 and qualified for the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) and state tournaments. That success has coach Joseph Laporta raising the bar for his team this spring.

“This year, I expect us to compete for the Housatonic Division title and again qualify for the SCC and state tournaments,” Laporta said. “I would like to finish in the top three in the SCC and top 10 in the state.”

The Gaels have a great head start on their goals with the return of last season's co-captain, senior Bryan Fitzgerald, and the emergence of fellow captain and senior Tyler Tate.

Supporting Fitzgerald and Tate are experienced seniors Jeff Peterson, Sean Fernandez and Tyler Gaetano. There is also a group of seasoned underclassmen who gained valuable experience last year and look to take a starting spot on the team, including juniors Connor Howard, Mark Studer and Ray Frizinia and sophomores Mike Kanios, John Fenton, Craig Packnick and John Coniglio.

Fitzgerald will be the team's No. 1 player. Last season, Tate and Kanios competed for the No. 2 spot and look to push each other again this year.

The Gaels face tough challenges from Fairfield Prep, Amity, Cheshire and Notre Dame of West Haven in its quest to crack the SCC's top three. They will need to be sharp right out of the gate with a season-opening match against conference opponent Branford set for April 7.

 “With the experience gained from last year, this team knows what will be required of them to compete at a high level,” Laporta said. “The boys have been practicing on their games all winter and would like to accomplish the goals we've set for this year.”