“Big 3” Set to Dominate 2005 Berkshire County High School Scene

Yes, two-time state champion Chris Marinaro did graduate from St. Joseph’s. And four-time All-Berkshire selection Donnie Troy has departed Pittsfield High. But the Berkshire County high school talent cupboard hasn’t exactly dried up.

Wahconah Regional High School, led by senior captain Rahul Bahl, returns its entire roster from a squad that went 10-4 last season. Hoosac Valley, coming off of a 9-5 campaign, returns their top six players, including ace Garrett Kuta. And St. Joseph’s, on the heels of the county’s version of the “impregnable quadrilateral,” returns four seniors, including three-time All-Berkshire selection Willy Crall, from a team that captured the Southern Division, Pittsfield City Championship, County Championship, and the school’s fourth state title since 1996.

Wahconah may be hard-pressed to duplicate St. Joseph’s stellar 2004 season, but they enter 2005 motivated by their disappointing 10th place showing in last year’s state tournament at the Country Club of Greenfield. If they plan to realize those lofty expectations, senior Rahul Bahl, who recorded a 76 in states last year, will have to shoulder an even heavier burden this season. “He is expected to take his game to the next level,” said head coach Peter Terpak. Beyond Bahl, fellow seniors Dan Alderman, Chris Cyr, Keith Aleshevich, and junior Pat Bacon must consistently score in the low-to-mid 40’s for this team to reign supreme.

That task will be easier said then done, however, considering that only two players in the past four years have broken 40 on Wahconah Country Club’s treacherous back nine, where Wahconah plays all of its home matches.

Speaking of home course advantages, Hoosac Valley High School has made a habit out of dominating their opponents in the not-so-visitor-friendly confines of Forest Park Golf Club.

If they plan on finishing atop the Northern Division standings, head coach Jay Sniezek suspects it might take an unblemished record at home, which includes showdowns against Wahconah and St. Joseph’s. Senior Garret Kuta, who finished 9th in last year’s state tournament, will lead the Hurricane’s charge. He is joined in the lineup by classmates John Bradbury, Josh Barrett, Kyle Levesque, and Nick Mayer.

With home and home matches scheduled against Wahconah and St. Joseph’s, Hoosac’s season might ultimately hinge on their ability to steal a match on the road against one or both of these foes.

While the lineups of Wahconah and Hoosac Valley remain virtually unchanged from last season, St. Joseph’s head coach Ed Rossi faces the daunting chore of replacing the graduated Marinaro, who has moved on to Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida.

The answer to his dilemma might come from sweet swinging senior Willy Crall, who has quietly racked up three All-Berkshire nominations while hiding behind Marinaro’s shadow. This year, Crall will be the one casting shadows.

“I’m looking for big things from Willy this spring,” said Rossi, who is entering his 17th season as the architect of one of the county's most successful sports programs ever. Crall is joined in the lineup by fellow seniors Ron Marcella, Ryan Scago, Colin Tierney, and sophomore Jon Supranowitcz.

The remainder of the lineup is less certain, with juniors Stefan Ogle, Jon Delsardo, and freshman Shane Ortega vying for the final spot.

The “Big Three” from the Northern Division have garnered much of the accolades from coaches across the county in the preseason, but several Southern Division teams could play David to their Goliath if they fail to live up to their expectations in any given match.

Mt. Everett could present the biggest potential stumbling block. They have a distinct home course advantage at Egremont Country Club, which requires a keen local knowledge and is a lengthy trek for most high schools.

The Eagles lineup features four players capable of firing in the 30’s. They are led by up-and-coming sophomore star Liam Billard, whose 2004 highlights include a 77 to finish third in the state tournament at Stockbridge and a 1-under par 69 in the first round of the Massachusetts Junior Championship at Wyantenuck Country Club in August.

Lenox High School could also make some noise this season. Under the tutelage of long-time amateur standout Dick Salinetti, the millionaires blossomed in ’04, notching three wins after years of fruitless frustration. Senior Sebastian Evans will man the number one spot and is expected to improve upon his 41 average from a year ago. Junior Bobby Peterson, a co-op student from Berkshire Country Day School, has the potential to form a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup. “I hope to transfer some of my love for the game to these kids,” said Salinetti, who had 22 students come out for the team.

Monument Mountain may not posses the depth of other teams, but sophomore Davis Mullany, an All-Berkshire selection last season, should not be overlooked in the race for low scoring average. “Davis is like a little touring professional,” said Wahconah head coach Pete Terpak.

This season marks a changing of the guard for the Lee High golf program. Hank Zukowski, the face of high school golf for decades, has passed the coaching torch on to Jim Gralla. “I think he made Berkshire County golf what it is today,” said Drury head coach Frank Zoltek, a long-time friend of Zukowski’s.

Last season’s brightest stars have graduated. And one of high school golf’s biggest ambassadors has stepped down. But the talent cupboard in Berkshire County high school golf is as deep as it has been in years. Now it’s time for the cream to rise to the top.