As far as Tyler Gerbavsits is concerned, signing an NCAA Division I letter of intent to play golf at St. John’s University is just as good as dropping a hole in one. The Huntington High School senior is a happy teenager.
“It has always been my goal and dream to play NCAA Division I golf,” Mr. Gerbavsits said. He considered Fairfield University, Binghamton University, Manhattan College and High Point University before deciding that St. John’s in Jamaica, Queens was where he wanted to be.
Huntington senior Tyler Gerbavsits.
The teenager recently qualified for the New York State intersectional golf championships for the second time. Mr. Gerbavsits has been an integral member of Huntington’s links squad since seventh grade.
A year-round golfer, the Blue Devil great has a captured a long list of honors along the way. Recognized as one of the top young golfers in the metropolitan area, Mr. Gerbavsits performed the due diligence one might expect of a person before making a major commitment.
“When I started looking at schools for college golf, St. John’s was always at the top of my list,” Mr. Gerbavsits said. “After visiting St. John’s I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I know several players on the team, which will make the college golf experience that much better.
One of those familiar faces is former Blue Devil teammate Jim Smoot, who has settled in nicely at St. John’s himself. Mr. Gerbavsits plans to study business in college and SJU has a top notch program.
The senior is thoroughly enjoying his final year of high school. He’s currently engaged in a credit bearing internship in the office of the district director of health, physical education and interscholastic athletics. Mr. Gerbavsits is also the varsity boys’ basketball team’s manager this winter.
“I couldn’t ask for a better four years at Huntington High School and the six years on the varsity golf team,” Mr. Gerbavsits said. He owns a 96 weighted academic average and is a member of the National Honor Society. The senior volunteers with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity chapter and serves as president of the athletic department’s Varsity Club.
Mr. Gerbavsits is looking to finish among the leaders at the state golf tournament at Cornell University next June. He’s be prepped and guided through the championships by Blue Devil golf coach Michael Marinello.
“Coach Marinello has played a huge role in my high school golf career,” Mr. Gerbavsits said. “He is a great leader and a great coach.”
Repeatedly named a New York State Scholar Athlete, the teenager comes from a sports-loving family. His dad, Edward attended Queens College and his mom, Susan went to Penn State. His grandfather, Charlie Forte is one of the greatest Blue Devil athletes ever.
With his college decision finalized, Mr. Gerbavsits can savor every last day of high school without stressing about the future.
