SSHS Varsity Golf Reflects On Record Season

As autumn golf becomes a distant memory, the varsity boy's golf team can reflect on its best season of record, and start its preparation for the county championship this spring at Bethpage State Park.

The Cyclones posted a 9-1 record this season and tied Garden City for the league championship. Underscoring the team's depth, every member of the squad posted an average of less than 44 strokes per nine holes.

The team peaked at Sewanhaka on Sept. 13, where they shot a 189 total for the match — a school record.

"We had a nice year," said head coach Russ Reid. "I'd be disappointed if we didn't make it into the second round (of the county championship) this spring at Bethpage."

While the team has depth and balance with juniors Casey Cameron, Alex Matos and seniors Greg Stavrou and Mike Boranian being top players – the team is led by sophomore Sean Byrne. Freshman James Messina, sophomores Kevin Boranian and Chris Mullooly, as well as junior Dan Chelios also added at least one win during the course of the season.

Byrne shoots a stunning 36.8 per nine holes, relying on a good long game, an up-and-coming short game, and most importantly, a strong mental approach. "I've always been mentally strong," he said. "I've never been afraid of much. Especially when it comes to golf. I'm confident in my game."

Reid said he sees Byrne's maturity as the key component to his success. "Coaching golf is a lot different," Reid said. "It's not x's and o's. It's trying to get (players) to understand the game is 90 percent mental. And Sean gets that."

Reid added that he also has the skill set on the links to match his mental approach. "He's extremely accurate," Reid said. "He's been playing a long time."

One pitfall to playing in the Northeast is the weather, however, Byrne's family vacations in Florida, so he plays during the off-season. When he can't get on the links, he's still committed to getting better – another testament to his maturity. "I work with the trainers on golf specific exercises," he said. "I put in work at the range, putt indoors. There are things you can do."

And Byrne will keep doing those things until his short game matches his long game, which is where he feels he needs the most improvement.  "We had a good team and a pretty young team," Sean said. "There's a lot to look forward to next year."