School Board Honors
Huntington Golf Team
Back from the brink of extinction, the Huntington High School golf team was honored at last week’s Huntington School Board meeting. The Blue Devils won the Suffolk League III championship this fall and are currently basking in the glow of their semi-celebrity status.
Coached by Huntington physical education teacher Michael Marinello, the Blue Devils featured a blend of experienced and up-and-coming players. The squad practiced and competed at the Huntington Crescent Club.
Huntington compiled a 10-0 league record to grab the regular season crown before winning the league tournament at the Huntington Country Club, where freshman Jim Smoot and sophomore Justin Loturco each shot a 78 to share the co-championship. Junior Charles Bast shot an 82 to earn third place. All three golfers will advance to the Suffolk championships in the spring.
“We are extremely proud of Coach Marinello and his team members,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Undefeated season; League III championship; they have accomplished so much with no fanfare whatsoever. Unfortunately because they practice and compete off-site, there is limited opportunity for members of the school community to watch them in action. They have worked hard. They have also worked together, which is not as easy as it seems when team members compete in individual match play.”
The Huntington golf team won the New York State title in 1980, but eventually fell on hard times. A lack of success on the course and dwindling interest from students led district officials to consider eliminating the program during a round of budget cuts a few years ago.
With a crop of good, young golfers, the program appears well-positioned to continue its newfound success for at least several more seasons. Senior captain Max Fehrs, who endured through some lean years, helped provide veteran leadership on and off the course this past fall. Mr. Marinello praised the teenager for his unsung efforts through the years and credited him with playing a key role in the program’s rejuvenation.
Members of the team are a hardworking group, with many hitting the links several times a week in the off-season and constantly working on the driving range and practice putting greens. The Blue Devils stood behind the seated trustees at least week’s ceremony for a commemorative photo. “They clearly deserve this honor and recognition,” Mr. Polansky said.
The Blue Devils have built a productive relationship with the Huntington Crescent Club, its PGA professional, John Schob and his staff. The Huntington golfers fit in well on course and have gained the respect of the club’s members.
“I know Mr. Marinello and the boys worked very hard to earn this title and they should be very proud,” PTA Council President Bari Fehrs said. “Mr. Marinello has been a great coach and role model for them.”