October 18, 2019
St. Mary’s sophomore Aidan Emmerich had a big day for the Spartans golf team Friday, shooting a 1-over 70 to capture the Catholic Central League individual championship at Hillview Country Club in North Reading. After the win, Emmerich was named CCL MVP.
“He’s a very solid player, and he’s very seasoned for his age,” said St. Mary’s coach Jay Fiste. “He’s been on the team since he was in sixth grade, and he’s a very polished player. He competes against the top amateur golfers in the world every summer in the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) tournaments, and those really prepare him for the season.”
Also placing in the top 15 overall for St. Mary’s was Luke Sargent, who finished in 13th place with a 10-over 79.
The CCL golf all-stars were also announced Friday, with Emmerich, Sargent, Luke Smith, Peter Pagliuca and Sean Mathers representing the Spartans.
“We had a great group of players this season and we were very consistent all year,” said Fiste. “It’s been a real pleasure coaching them this year.”
Fenwick also had some solid performances in the championship, with Jake Murphy placing second overall (3-over 72) and Tom Estella placing ninth overall (7-over 76).
Next up for St. Mary’s is the Division 3 North sectional qualifier, Monday (7:30) at Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland. If the Spartans can place in the top three overall, they will move on to the Division 3 North state championship at Cranberry Valley Golf Course in Harwich on October 28.
“We played a practice round there on Thursday in very difficult conditions, but the guys took good notes and should be ready to go Monday,” Fiste said. “Hopefully we can do well and move on to Cranberry Valley.”
By Mike Alongi