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05/12/2018 12:00 AMFrom the top to the bottom of its lineup, the Guilford golf squad is consistently getting strong performances from everyone on the links thus far this spring. As a result, the Indians are the midst of a great campaign and have already more than doubled their win total from last year.
In 2017, Head Coach Dave Esteban’s team went 5-12 for the regular season, before finishing tied for 13th place at the Division II State Championship. Entering last week, Guilford had already recorded 10 victories despite playing just one match on its home course at Madison Country Club during the entire month of April.
Last week, Guilford put two more wins in the books to improve to 12-1 on the season. The Indians first defeated East Haven 158-224 at Madison Country Club May 7 and then notched a 174-183 home triumph over Lyman Hall on May 9.
Coach Esteban said that all of his golfers are hitting their stride this season and are embracing the dedication that’s required to field a successful club.
“All of these guys have something else going on besides golf that’s demanding, so they understand the hard work it takes,” said Esteban. “We don’t have that one lone person who is the only one contributing every match. A different person has stood out each match. My No. 3 player has medaled three times, my No. 1 twice, and my No. 2 has been a medalist. I’ve had different guys fill in at No. 5 and 6, but they are each contributing.”
No. 1 singles player and senior captain James Marks has been atop the Indians’ leaderboard on multiple occasion this year. Esteben said that Marks embodies what his team is all about by balancing plenty of responsibilities, while staying upbeat in the process.
“I’ve seen him grow a lot, and he’s a very consistent player. His greatest attribute is that he keeps the same demeanor and never gets too down on himself or anyone else,” said Coach Esteban. “He always finds something positive and tries to get others excited. He was in the school play last month, on top of being team captain and a student. He juggles things that I’m constantly impressed with. He’s the heartbeat of the team.”
Guilford’s roster features several other athletes who experience playing other sports. Senior Austin Hitchcock, a former baseball player, is in his second year on the golf squad and has been competing out of the No. 2 slot. Fellow second-year senior Anthony Avallone, who played defensive line for the football team, is the Indians’ No. 3 golfer. Fresh off a strong season with the boys’ basketball team, senior Josh Krause is the No. 4 man in Guilford’s rotation.
“Austin is the heart and soul of the team. He makes sure everyone is having fun and throws a consistent score. Anthony brings some grit to the team and knows about grinding. He is constantly working and trying to improve,” said Esteban. “Josh is new to the team this year after he couldn’t try out last year because of his ACL tear, but he knows the guys on the team and is friendly with them. He’s an excellent contributor. He’s mentally tough and sharp and demands a lot of himself. He’s not afraid to put it all out there.”
Guilford has a trio of players who have been rotating between the No. 5 and No. 6 spots in the lineup. Senior Austin Fix and sophomore brothers, Noah Kosh and John Kosh, have hitting the course for the Indians this spring.
“Austin is our mathlete. He’s able to quickly add scores and was new to the team last year. He’s really transformed his game in a year’s time, and I’m impressed with the rounds he’s played,” Esteban said. “Noah and John are both soccer players and skilled athletes. Their level of athleticism is through the roof. They like to compete against each other but there is no ego. They both want to contribute to the team’s success.”
In last week’s win against East Haven, Marks earned medalist honors with a low round of 38 for the Indians. Marks was followed by Hitchcock (39), John Kosh (40), and Noah Kosh (41).
For the victory versus Lyman Hall, Marks again led Guilford with a 41, while Avallone shot a 43, John Kosh had a 44, and Hitchcock finished with a score of 46.
After accomplishing one of the biggest goals they set coming into this year, the Indians are reaching for loftier targets as they approach the back nine of the season. Coach Esteban said that the mission is simple: Keep going with what’s worked so far, and the postseason objectives will take care of themselves.
“Our top priorities coming in were to be a competitive team and have fun. We are having a good time, and it’s showing on the course. We now want to win Division II and make the SCC Championship as a team,” said Esteban. “We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing and not let the course beat us up and be good representatives of Guilford golf. If we keep putting in good rounds, then we control our own destiny.”
From the Sidelines
This is Dave Esteban’s fourth year as head coach of the Guilford golf team.
The SCC Championship will take place on Tuesday, May 29 at Racebrook Country Club in Orange at 9 a.m.
The Division II State Championship is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5 at Fairview Farms Golf Course in Harwinton at 7:30 a.m.