East boys golf off to 4-2 start; South still winless
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville East's boys golf team is 4-2, but it hasn't been easy.

After a season-opening 283-330 win on Sept. 10 over Williamsville South, the Flames have been in several close matches, most notably a 300-303 win over Williamsville North last Thursday at Transit Valley Country Club. The win avenged a 318-288 posting against North on Sept. 18 at Westwood Country Club, where East coach Dave Delisanti said his team posted four scores of over 50.

Delisanti said his team's three through six players, freshman Bill Gaffney; seniors Dave Rundell and Mark Chaskes; and sophomore Andrew Legarreta, won the North rematch.

"Each golfer either tied or was one stroke better than their opponent," said Delisanti.

East senior Justin Cardon and North's Alex Ullrich tied for medalist with a 39.

East has also defeated Sweet Home, 287-297, on Sept. 20 at Brighton Golf Course and Amherst 315-319, on Sept. 25 at Park Country Club. Cardon was medalist against Sweet Home with a 34. Sweet Home was led by Dave Sykes' 37. Sweet Home's Mark Rusch and East's Gaffney added 39s.

"Sweet Home played really well," said Delisanti. "They are much improved."

Amherst's Jake Struebing was medalist with a 40. Freshman Sean Mahon and Cardon each shot a 42 to lead East. Mahon was medalist in East's first meeting against North with a 36.

East's other loss was a 317-285 defeat to first-place Clarence last Wednesday. East posted six scores over 46; Clarence had six scores under 43.

"They were prepared to play and weren't," said Delisanti.

"They're not 32 strokes better than us," Delisanti continued. "A few years ago they were. I think the kids thought if they showed up, their numbers would fall into place, but that is not how golf goes. You have to grind it out."

Cardon was low for the Flames with a 39. Pat Sheedy paced Clarence with a 36.

East had a busy week, which started with a 312-321 win over Sweet Home on Monday at Transit Valley. Results will appear in next week's Bee. They also faced Amherst on Tuesday at Transit Valley, but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. East hosts Williamsville South at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Transit Valley.

Williamsville South

The Billies' bad luck continued last week.

Williamsville North and Clarence defeated South, 288-327 and 269-304, last Monday and Thursday at the Country Club of Buffalo.

Senior John Winstel and sophomore Rob Munley each shot a 42 against North. Senior Matt Sweeney led the Spartans with a 37. Senior Alex Ullrich (38); eighth-grader Jake Rosen (41); and seniors E.J. Kuebler and Jack Mitchell and junior Matt Proven (42) were other main contributors for North.

"They played well and we didn't," said South coach Al Monaco. "There are no excuses."

Clarence had six scores in the 30s, led by Charles Eckert, T.J. Dalton and Tim Seel with 37s. Sheedy fired a 39.

Winstel led South with a 41. Freshman Evan Martone hit a career-best 41. Sophomores Clark Zhang and P.K. Klocke added career bests at CCB of 42 and 43, respectively.

South (0-6) plays Clarence on Wednesday at Brookfield Country Club and plays East on Thursday at Transit Valley. Both have 4 p.m. start times.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com