Eighth-grader Lowe leads Farmingdale to LI golf title

While sitting on the grass just off the 18th green shortly after winning their second straight Long Island boys golf championship, Farmingdale senior Brandon Romano had one simple request from his younger teammate Matt Lowe.

"Hey Matt,'' Romano said, "can you guys win it next year so we can have a dynasty?''

Farmingdale defeated Kings Park, 7.5 to 1.5, Wednesday at Bethpage Black and if the performance by its underclassmen is any indication, Romano's request is destined to be granted.

"The first championship is always great but I think the second one validates how far along we've come with our golf program,'' Farmingdale coach John Berardi said. "The kids work hard and it's a testament to their work ethic that they are so successful.''

Kurt Brey tied Frank Amicizia with a 9-over 80 and fellow seniors James Darcy and Romano, who holed a chip shot for birdie on 18, each finished with an 89.

But it was the Dalers' youth who ensured the departing seniors that the team's future is in good hands. Lowe, an eighth-grader, shot a 7-over 78 for a 10-stroke win over Nick Hein, and his classmate - and Kurt's younger brother - Kyle Brey shot an 83 to defeat Mike Fletcher, who shot an 89.

It was a day of redemption for junior Michael Zelazny, who missed the cut for the state tournament by one stroke in the county championships. He shot a 1 under on the front nine en route to an 8-over 79, a personal best on the Black.

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"I was playing amazing on the front,'' Zelazny said. "On the back, I couldn't really putt but I just stayed with it . . . I knew we had a good chance of winning it again. But it's really cool that it's actually reality now."

Added Lowe: "It's nice to know that our names are in history as back-to-back Long Island champions.''

Names that may soon be part of a dynasty.