Blue Devil Girls’ Golf Makes Plans for Spring Season

Huntington High School’s second year girls’ golf team is getting organized for the spring season. The program is expecting more than two dozen girls to participate.

Longtime Huntington physical education Michael Marinello will once again coach the girls’ golf team. He has coached the Blue Devil boys’ golf team for many years. He is currently assigned as the department coordinator of physical education and athletics.

Marinello will be assisted by Jenna Merget, Bob Colvin and Michele Kustera. All three coaches are avid golfers themselves and all three are excited to see what the second season of Huntington’s girls’ team produces.

The team will be returning many veterans, including its best player in Brooke Parks. Many new players are also talking about coming out for the team. All high school girls are invited to consider joining the program. Pre-season intramurals are planned during which those interested in playing on the team can see if they like the sport.

Interested on playing on the new team? Visit Marinello in the athletic office or send him a message at mmarinello@hufsd.edu.

The Blue Devils will play in Section XI’s League I with Half Hollow Hills East, Half Hollow Hills West, West Babylon, West Islip, Deer Park and Bay Shore.

The Blue Devils will practice and play home matches at the town’s nine hole Dix Hills golf course. They are also expected to have a few practice and clinic sessions at the Huntington Crescent Club and the Huntington Country Club.

The Blue Devils are also expected to use a nearby driving range, school facilities, including indoor simulators and training equipment, a new local indoor facility and Sunken Meadow State Park’s three nine hole courses.

Last year’s inaugural team was captained by seniors Stephanie Wickey and Anna Bell Young. Huntington’s roster boasted 23 golfers, a remarkable number with for a new varsity squad. But 12 of the 23 were seniors, so Marinello plans a recruiting drive. Still, the 11 returnees include many talented athletes; enough so that confidence is running high for success in the Blue Devils’ second season next spring.

Parks went 10-2 in the No. 1 position, leading the team in birdies and pars. Claire Parks and Jane Callery are also returning from last year’s starting lineup.

Returnees also include Isabella Careccia-Johnson, Emersen Evans, Abigail Hopson, Giovanna Lanfranco, Sophie Lange, Jessica Lee, Lily Mitek and Hannah Song.

Marinello has set a goal for the team to finish in the top three in the league next spring. He also hopes to replace all the seniors with new golfers.

Marinello is also seeking community donations of golf clubs and golf bags for his novice golfers who lack equipment. Can you help? Send a message to the coach at mmarinello@hufsd.edu.