Old Saybrook golfers beat rival Old Lyme

Old Saybrook — A very good Old Saybrook High School golf team just got even better.

Junior Andy Heckler, a transfer from Xavier of Middletown, made a memorable debut on Monday, shooting a 3-over-par 38 at Fenwick Golf Course to earn medalist honors and lead Old Saybrook (156) past Old Lyme (174) and East Hampton (180) in the Shoreline Conference.

The Rams also defeated St. Bernard (190).

Jack Ayers (39), J.T. Giegerich (39) and Matt Cummins (40) also scored well for Old Saybrook (16-0, 4-0), which is the team to beat in the Shoreline.

"The kids played pretty well today," Old Saybrook coach Tim Arsenault said. "We certainly wanted to get by this one and now can take a little bit of a breather. The kids are playing with some confidence. Having Heckler in there makes the other guys relax more."

With their entire team returning, the Rams entered the season as the frontrunner in the conference and a possible contender on the state level in Division IV.

Arsenault knew Heckler would be a good addition. but expected him to be a bit too excited to play well in his first match. Apparently, that wasn't the case.

"He carries himself the right way," Arsenault said. "It's good to have him."

Heckler made a big difference. Just two weeks ago, Old Saybrook beat Old Lyme by just one stroke in a match that didn't count in the conference standings.

Travis Russell led Old Lyme (6-2-1, 2-1) with 39 while George Logan (43), Paul Burdick (45) and Matti Fuller (47) also competed.

Blake Biacomano shot a 41 for St. Bernard.