GHS Seniors Play Final Round at Glastonbury Hills

GHS senior golfers Jared D’Angelo (left) and Sean Sullivan helped lead the way for a Guardians team that finished second overall in conference. 

Prior to the team’s final home match, Glastonbury High School senior golfers Jared D’Angelo and Sean Sullivan hadn’t played in the same foursome all season.
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Head coach Tom Zelek decided to change that by pairing his only two seniors together for Senior Night as the duo marched side-by-side for their final nine holes together at Glastonbury Hill Country Club on Oct. 18 against Rocky Hill.
           
D’Angelo shot a 40, sinking a pair of birdies and hitting five greens in regulation, and Sullivan hit five of seven fairways as the two made a curtain call on the home course.  
           
On a picturesque autumn day, Sullivan said the scenery added to the excitement yet it was his chance to play with his classmate that he cherished the most. 
           
“It was special to play with Jared,” said Sullivan. “I didn’t get to play with him once all season, so getting to play with him was definitely my favorite part.”
           
D’Angelo added, “It was our final time here as a team; it was nice to be out here one last time. We’ve had fun all year”
           
Zelek praised his two seniors for stepping up this season, crediting D’Angelo for being consistent on the course and Sullivan for his positive attitude. 
           
“Jared has been a steady player; he’s even-keeled. He always has a score in the match that we can use to win,” added Zelek. “Sean is someone that will always be the first person to congratulate someone for a good shot or help someone look for their ball in the woods. He also makes the effort to talk to the kids on the other team.”
           
Sullivan’s sportsmanship was evident on the 7th hole when he high-fived a golfer from Rocky Hill who had chipped a shot onto the green.
           
The Guardians easily defeated the visiting Terriers (167-239) in the Senior Day match. 
           
Junior captain Gavin Kvadus earned the match medalist after shooting a 39. Kvadus drained two birdies, hitting five greens and only needing 16 putts to complete his round.
           
Kvadus, who is the No. 9 ranked player in the state, said he learned on D’Angelo and Sullivan for their leadership this fall. 
           
“It’s definitely good to have those two seniors that can show me what it’s like to be in that more mature roll,” added Kvadus
           
Zachary Durant, who shot a 39, also scored for the Guardians in the convincing win over the Terriers.  
           
The home finale put a bow on a 13-5 regular season for Glastonbury, who won 10 of 12 Central Connecticut Conference matches to finish second overall in the conference behind Berlin.
           
During the 18 regular season matches, the Guardians had some memorable moments. Most notable was a win over Fairfield Prep on Sept. 29. At the time, the Jesuits of Fairfield were the no. 1 ranked team in the state and were undefeated in match play. 
           
After making the 60-mile trip to The Patterson Club in the southern part of Connecticut, the Guardians handed the Jesuits a (157-159) defeat. 
           
Kvadus was the co-medalist—tying with Fairfield’s Robby Rosatti—shooting a 38 on the immaculate course in the Fairfield County. 
 
 “On any given day, any team can win in golf. I never go into a match thinking we can’t win. It was a challenging match and we purposely scheduled that match,” recalled Zelek. “I like to play the best team and have the most challenge. It was a great experience for the kids.”
           
D’Angelo added. “We were really happy to be there because the Patterson Club is just such a nice and exclusive course. Getting the win really pumped us all up and we really enjoyed the time when we were there.”
           
For Sullivan, the trip to Fairfield was more than just a golfing outing. 
           
“Patterson was really special for me because my dad grew up there and worked there, and lived on the course. I got to see the house [he lived at] for the first time,” stated Patterson. “I played probably my best golf all year there. The course was gorgeous and it felt amazing beating them at their home course.”
           
Both seniors said the win over Fairfield and the Senior Day were something they will never forget, yet it’s the team moments off the course that they will miss the most.
           
“We’re always trying to make each other improved but we are also always having fun with each other.” said D’Angelo.
           
​Sullivan added, “The team was amazing. I feel like we had a group of eight friends and not just competitors.”