Big Blue Golfers Tee Off Season Today

Captains Trevor Massey and Gino Cresta will lead the Big Blue golf team against conference opponents this fall.

The team tees off today in its season opener at Tedesco Country Club against one of those opponents, Lynn Classical.

The other teams in their conference are Lynn English, Revere, Saugus and Winthrop.

Ultimately, though, with the exception of match play, the golfers are playing against themselves, says coach Linda Portnoy.

The players are challenging themselves to get better, to improve their play, says Portnoy, entering her 11th season as varsity golf coach.

Assistant Jim New has been there to help for 11 years, as well.

One temptation that presents itself to young golfers is the urge to hit the ball as far as they can, Portnoy said.

A few golfers on the team, including Gino Cresta, who worked out during the summer with other, are hitting the ball a ton, said Portnoy.

Portnoy and New coach the players in control, encouraging them to scale back their club selection to the clubs that give them more control than distance.

At least four of the players on the varsity will be familiar with the coaches' counsel.

Four players are returning from last year's team and will compete in the 10 matches that make up the team's regular season.

The coach has scheduled some additional play against nonconference opponents.

The other varsity members are Victoria Malatesta, Kevin Marescalchi, Derek Mayo, Cameron Swigor, Matt Videtta and Peter Wright.

Junior varsity players are Emery Green, Griffin Hunt, Chris Thomsen, Eric Flynn, Anthony Springthorpe, Max Cohen, Steve Dandreo, Brandon Carola and Dan Conway-LeBlanc.Jay Knowles coaches the junior varsity team, assisted by Paul Korchari.

The team had their kick-off banquet on Monday night at Fantasy Island, loading up on Chinese food for their match against Lynn Classical today.

Looking ahead, the coach is optimistic.

"I'm expecting a good season," said coach Portnoy.