Tyler Gerbavsits and Matt Giamo are Huntington High School golf stars. Both are seniors and both are headed to the state championships. But that’s where the comparisons end. Each has his own unique philosophy when it comes to preparing for competition.
Gerbavsits and Giamo are in the final stages of getting ready for the New York State Intersectional Golf Championships, which are set for Saturday, June 2 – Monday, June 4 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University in Ithaca.
If Gerbavsits could live on a golf course he would. The teenager is a constant presence on the fairway and is well-known throughout metropolitan area golf circles, competing in a series of tournaments annually and attracting recognition from just about everyone along the way.
“I’ve been playing in a couple of tournaments to prepare myself for the state championship,” Gerbavsits said. “I’m really excited to play at Cornell again. Playing my sophomore year at the states gives me a good understanding of the golf course.”
The senior is headed to St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens where he has been recruited to play on the college’s NCAA Division I golf team. Gerbavsits strong work ethic and determination have carried him far academically and athletically, but one gets the sense that he’s only getting started.
A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Gerbavsits has been engaged in a credit bearing internship in the district’s health, physical education and interscholastic athletics department office this year. He plans to study business at St. John’s.
Giamo attributes his success to setting goals, working hard and balancing his social life with academics and sports. He’s headed to Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business to study finance and international business.
The teenager is a tough-as-nails competitor who has displayed an ability to overcome what would amount to unbearable pressure to mere golf mortals. If he can do it again next weekend at Cornell he will return home celebrating a special season.
“I’m the opposite of Tyler,” Giamo said. “I played in zero tournaments this past summer. I enjoy playing with my friends or going to the range to practice. I believe in the approach of letting your swing come to you with less on your mind. I have never played this course before so I’m excited and ready to go low.”
Huntington golf head coach Michael Marinello wants nothing more than for his two stars to have their finest performances in their final high school competition.
