Le' and Napoli lead Gilson's LHS golf team in 2012
By John D'Onofrio Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
LOCKPORT —
Lockport’s young and promising varsity golf team got off to a young and promising start to their 2012 Niagara Frontier League links season on Wednesday with a 251-300 victory over visiting Niagara Falls at the Lockport Town & Country Club.
Junior co-captain and freshman teammate Dominick Morreale were co-medalists for head coach Dave Gilson’s team (1-0 NFL). James Spanbauer led the Wolverines (0-1 NFL) with a 42.
Gilson has a good mixture of experience and youth in 2012 as his roster features five freshman for the first time in his tenure.
Key losses to graduation are Brendan Williams and Joe Sansone. Among the key returners are senior co-captain Brandon Le’ and Napoli.
Le’ is a four year varsity member, Napoli is a three-year starter and both were willing to work on their game throughout the year.
“J.J.’s been practicing well, striking the ball well and he’s had good numbers,” Gilson said. “Brandon has been the same. He’s worked very hard over the summer and we’re already seeing the results of that.”
Others on the roster include seniors Alex Weaver and Ricky Eberhart, juniors Adam David and Patrick Sparks and sophomore Evan Williams. The five freshmen on the roster are Morreale, Liam Chesty, Jack Igoe, John Ottaviano and Joe Quirk.
“Dom and Joe played a significant amount last year for eighth graders, starting three matches apiece, so they have experience,” Gilson noted.
Gilson said among top teams in the NFL this year will be Kenmore East, Niagara-Wheatfield and Grand Island, which is returning some significant players.
N-O GOLF
Defending champion Albion and Newfane tied 1-1 at Hickory Ridge Thursday in the Niagara-Orleans League golf opener for both schools.
The Purple Eagles won on strokes, 260-261, and head coach Doug Ames’ Panthers won on points, 28-27.
Albion’s John Krieger took medalist honor with a 41. Connor Barleben added a 48 for the Purple Eagles.
Josh Gmerek and Zach LaJoe both shot 48 for Newfane.
Akron bested Royalton-Hartland, 246-279, at the Shelridge Country Club, as Noah Diebel and Josh Groff shared medalist honors with rounds of 48.
At Willowbrook, visiting Barker downed Wilson 224-271 as Mitch Luckman, Alonzo St. Louis and Brad Wilson all shared medalist honors with rounds of 43.
