East sees big turnaround
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Two years ago, Williamsville East's boys golf team was 2-8 and sent nobody to ECICs. Two years later, East could finish 8-2 and send eight golfers to ECICs.

East is 6-2 as of this writing with its only losses to Clarence. East lost its first meeting with the Red Devils, 303-306, on Sept. 21 at Transit Valley Country Club and 285-298 at Brookfield Country Club on Sept. 27. The Flames have beaten Williamsville North and Amherst twice and Williamsville South and Sweet Home once.

"We've improved tremendously," said East coach David Delisanti. "This is basically the same group of guys from two years ago when we were 2-8 and have really turned things around. Now we have a shot to finish 8-2. If we end up with eight guys at ECICs that would be fabulous."

Junior Justin Cardon leads all East golfers with a 39.16 stroke average, good enough for ninth overall in the league. Delisanti said Cardon and seniors Kyle Smith, Andrew Ross and Joe LaPoint have all shot in the upper 30's and low 40's.

"They have been our rock steady guys," said Delisanti.

Eighth graders Billy Gaffney and Sean Mahon have been pleasant surprises, said Delisanti.

"They've played great golf," he said. "Billy was the medalist in the first Clarence match (39)."

Cardon (38, South) and Smith (38, Sweet Home; 37, Amherst) have also medaled.

David Kausch has been another huge contributor, said Delisanti.

"Against North, he was even-par going into the ninth hole and finished 2-over-37.

East played South Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play Sweet Home on Wednesday.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com