If the Medford High golf team learned anything this season it was to expect the unexpected.
For the fourth time in five years, the Mustangs are sitting on top of the Greater Boston League standings. Sporting an impressive 7-1 regular season record, the team scored yet another GBL title, while also solidifying its lofty status as a premiere power on the local greens.
Not bad for a team that was supposedly in rebuilding mode.
“It felt really good,” said senior co-captain Connor Lonergan. “Going into the season we weren’t sure how it was going to go.”
After losing a plethora of talented seniors to graduation, including four-year starters Charlie Chouniard, Allyson Mollung and league MVP Maxine Harney, all signs pointed to a bridge year.
Coach Ray Dyer’s expectations were understandably modest. But as these Mustangs have proven, this was not your average club.
“We lost a lot of good seniors,” Lonergan said. “But everyone stepped up, including a lot of underclassmen that were new to the team. They really stepped up and helped us to win again.”
Led by an all-star power trio consisting of senior co-captains Adam Gabaree, Lonergan and junior Domenic Ramasci, Medford quickly put to rest any thoughts of a rebuilding year. The three set the tone, but it was a consistent effort of the entire cast, which also included seniors D.J. Galvin, Mike Bianco, juniors Devin Newell, Steven Silvio, Ryan Hickey and Ryan Quinlan, that really put the team over the top.
The Mustangs steadily improved as the season progressed, dropping just one regular season match to Cambridge at Fresh Pond Country Club. The loss was a small setback, however, as the Medford marched on to its fourth title in five years.
According to Dyer, the club made the most of its opportunities.
“I think the key to our season was playing against good teams like Lowell, which enabled us to compete with successful teams and to see where we stood,” said Dyer, noting that an 8-5 overall record and tourney berth was initially the club’s long-range goal. “We took every match as a challenge to the kids to play better each time out,” Dyer said.
In addition, the team also qualified for the Division 2 Sectionals at Hillview Country Club in North Reading, Oct. 21. The Sectionals pitted Medford against some of the best teams in the state.
“It’s an 18-hole test for the kids who are used to playing nine-hole matches,” Dyer said. “So it really was a matter of stamina in a pressure atmosphere.”
Concord-Carlisle was the runaway winner, with all six starters shooting in the 70s. Each team counts four scores out of the six starters. Gabaree (85) led the way for Medford followed by Ramasci (90), Lonergan (94) and Newell (100).
“The scores don’t indicate how well the kids played,” Dyer said. “Each one had a couple of bad holes, but overall they competed with class and intensity.”
“They represented Medford well and I am truly proud of their effort,” he added.
Winning on the greens has been nothing new for Lonergan and Gabaree. Varsity staples since their freshman year, the pair has won six GBL title with Medford between them, but this year was extra special.
“We lost a lot of good seniors (over the offseason), but everyone stepped up, including a lot of underclassmen that were new to the team.” Lonergan said. “They really stepped up and helped us to win again.”
“Our freshman year and last year seemed to be the strongest teams,” he added “This year, we didn’t seem to be as strong as a team, but everyone really stepped up and came together at the end.”
According to Lonergan the secret behind the team’s success has been terrific coaching.
“Coach Dyer has been a great for the past four years,” Lonergan said. “He’s really good at getting the underclassmen, kids that are new to the team, to focus in. And a lot of kids improved very rapidly.”
And don’t be surprised if these Mustangs continue to prosper in the years to come.
“We have a few good freshmen that seem to be coming up strong,” Lonergan said. “I think they still have a bright future. I’d like to thank Coach Dyer for a great four years and wish the team for next year and the years to come the best of luck.”
According to Dyer, this was truly a season to cherish.
“I want to thank the seniors,” Dyer said. “Hopefully they remember this year as a special experience. I’m looking forward to next year. We have a lot of young kids so it should be fun.”