The varsity boys’ golf team got off to its best start in 10 years. The Warriors started their season with a 6-1 record. The team finished third in their conference with a record of 6-4.

The seniors on the team had an excellent season. Senior captain Chris Klarides has qualified for counties as a sophomore and junior and is striving for his third straight appearance. Alec Guerin had a terrific season and averaged in the low 40’s for nine holes. Guerin is also looking to make counties. And senior J.T. McCarron also had a solid year, with his best 9-hole score of 42 coming in the team’s last match. Long-driving juniors Matt Zuelch and Billy Pappas helped the team and shot a number of good rounds. Zuelch led the team to a win over Clark, scoring a team-low of 42.

The team is traditionally made up of just boys, but since there is no girls’ team the boys and girls may play together. This season there are two girls on the team, sophomore Alexis Ward and eighth grader Faith Francioso. Ward had an awesome try out and is continuing to improve. She played in one match this season and will play a huge role on the team in upcoming years.

Probably the team’s biggest story is Francioso, who broke into the starting lineup on varsity as a 7th grader. She has had an outstanding season and is one of the strongest golfers on the team. In the match against Bethpage, Francioso shot a 41 on the front of the Bethpage Blue course. This is very impressive considering the Blue course is a very long nine holes; in fact it is forty yards longer than the front nine of the famous Bethpage Black course from the white tees. She has been the low scorer in two of the team’s six wins. In a practice round on the Bethpage Yellow, Francioso sank a twenty-five foot putt on the 9th hole for a 39.

“Faith has improved dramatically in one year,” said Mr. Kravitz. “I’ve seen her drive the ball 250 yards. She’s very consistent. I never really see her outside of the fairway.”

Francioso plays competitively in tournaments and does excellent against other girls. She has been a great addition to the team and her incredible talent has been extremely impressive considering she is the youngest player and one of two females on a boys’ varsity sport. Francioso also has an excellent shot at going to counties.

The team has been coached for the past five years by Mr. Colavita and Mr. Kravitz. Most matches are played on the yellow, green or blue courses at Bethpage.