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Red Storm Golf Coach Leads Team to Big East Tourney
BY BERNIE BEGLANE
Growing up on the streets of St. Raphael’s parish, Long Island City, Frank Darby knew next to nothing about golf.
But did he learn in a hurry after failing to make the baseball team at Archbishop Molloy High School!
Once it was determined by Jack Curran, veteran coach of the Briarwood school, that Frank would not make the squad, Darby turned to golf.
“I took the No. 7 train to Main Street, Flushing,” explained Frank, “and then hopped on the Q65 bus for Kissena Park.
“Fortunately I was able to get a locker to store my clubs and I went from there.”
So adept did Darby become that he earned a scholarship to St. John’s University then coached by the now-deceased Jack (Doc) Gimmler.
Eventually Frank became coach of the Red Storm, but has yet to win a Big East Conference championship in 12 seasons.
Gimmler, also a longtime trainer for the Vincentian Fathers’ school in Jamaica, earned nine.
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George Zolotas |
Keegan Bradley |
“I am going for my first April 22-24 at The Cardinal Club, Louisville University’s home course,” continued Darby.
“It’s going to be tough.”
The Red Storm, during early spring break, traveled to Florida and hosted – and won – the Treasure Coast Classic at Indian Hills, Port St. Lucie.
With Keegan Bradley showing the way – he shot 63, 65, 64 on the par 71 course.
Teammate George Zolotas shattered the single-round course record with a 61 on the first day of the three-day competition.
Schools competing against Darby and Co. were Connecticut and Seton Hall from the Big East; Johnson and Wales; Evansville, Bethune-Cookman.
Also, Stetson, Creighton, Kenesav State and Temple.
Bradley, it should be pointed out, comes from a celebrated golfing family. His aunt, Pat Bradley, was a mainstay on the Ladies PGA Tour for years and is a member of its Hall of Fame.
We remember well covering her first ever victory at the Wykagyl Country Club, New Rochelle.
Following her triumph, Pat said, “The cow bells will be ringing at home (Massachusetts) tonight.
“That’s how my mother let everybody in town know when I won as an amateur, and she’s going to do the same now that I am a pro.”
Darby also oversees St. John’s women’s team. Coached by Ambry Bishop (she is in her third season), the Red Storm (900) was runner-up to Stetson (887) at the Treasure Coast Classic.
Brittany Lambertson, Lois Kim of Bayside (her twin sister plays at the University of Notre Dame) and Samantha Tejada are the top players.
“The girls won the Big East title two years ago and Ambry was selected ‘Coach of the Years’,” stated Frank.
“We have been going to Florida for nine years. Spring break is an important time as we get ready for the Big East.
“The tournaments are well run and we play under great conditions.”
Darby should know all about that as he is a member of the Metropolitan PGA tournament staff once St. John’s season comes to a close.
“By now,” offered the coach, who has been doing that 20 years, “I know the ins and outs necessary to make things run smoothly.
“St. John’s hosts the Walter McLaughlin Memorial (named in honor of the deceased longtime athletic director and golf coach) at Bethpage State Park (Long Island) every October.
“We also host the Tillinghast at the Fenway Golf Club (Scarsdale) and are adding the Palmas delMar Classic next year in Ponce, Puerto Rico.”
No question, the No. 7 train and Q65 bus have carried Frank a long way!
St. Saviour’s Cops ‘B’ Division Hoops Title
St. Saviour H.S., Park Slope, took the girls’ varsity ‘B’ basketball championship with a win over Catherine McAuley of East Flatbush. During the regular season, McAuley had defeated St. Saviour’s twice.
Coach Atanasio told his team that the key to the game would be defense which would dictate the tempo of the game and that’s exactly how the game played out. The Pandas led throughout most of the game, although McAuley came out strong in the third quarter and briefly took a lead. But in the fourth quarter, the victorious Pandas took control with their pressure defense and up-tempo offense.
Leading the Pandas in scoring was Julia Morris with 15 points; Rosemary Burke had 11 points and Clare Kearney added eight points. Also contributing to the victory were Danielle Lopez with her strong rebounding, especially in the final quarter. Nancy Olisma came off the bench with outstanding defense and Christina Baker also subbed for starting point guard Kristin Binckes who was in foul trouble throughout the game.
St. Saviour’s had finished the season in fifth place and the girls knew they had their work cut out for them in the playoffs.
In the playoffs, St. Saviour’s also defeated the Eagles of St. Edmund’s Prep, 44-34. Leading the team were Kristin Binckes and Julia Morris both with 13 points and Rosemary Burke added 9 points.
Then the Pandas ousted defending champs, the Lady Flippers of Stella Maris, 30-29. Julia Morris came through with eight points and Kristin Binckes contributed seven. Contributing to the victory was Nancy Olisma with six points off the bench.
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