by Tony Genualdo
Last season, Calhoun found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they returned to Class A. But it did not slow down the success of year’s past as they won their conference.
They finished with a record of 14-7-1 and lost to Bethpage in the postseason.
Coach Art Canestro says his team’s plans are no different this upcoming season as they try to live up to their high expectations.
“We continue to try to be successful by doing what we always do; working hard and paying attention to details,” Canestro said. The professional experience that Canestro and assistant coach Steve DiMarco helps lead the team through what they say are “professional-type practices.
“We expect our kids to work hard and buy into the system, and they do,” said Canestro.
As for the talent on the team this season, it’s a bit on the younger side as only 2 seniors return. Dante DiMarco and Drew Crowley are both committed to play at St Joseph’s College in Patchogue. Canestro says DiMarco will be expected to lead the team.
“He does a lot of things very well,” Canestro said. “He can hit, steal bases and is excellent behind the plate. He will be a top of the lineup guy for us.”
As for the Crowley, he’ll lead the pitching staff. Crowley was stellar in relief last year, only allowing 1 run in 17 innings.
As for the younger guys on the team, juniors Pat Sanchez and Ryan Todd will join DiMarco at the top of the lineup this year. The pitching staff is brand new, as Ben Kovel (now at Fordham) and Jake Edwards graduated following last season. But Canestro says that he isn’t discouraged.
“We don’t look at it as rebuilding,” Canestro said. “We usually reload from our very successful JV program, so I’m sure we’ll be fine in the pitching department.”
The conference is loaded, and Calhoun has playoff aspirations and hopes to make a run and get hot. They will face the likes of MacArthur, Garden City, Manhasset, Carey, Bellmore JFK, South Side, Herricks and Great Neck South.
Only time will tell if these aspirations can come to fruition.
