Captains lead way on links for Pope John

By Josh Lashley
SPARTA — Consider the Pope John High School golf program fortunate in that they have a number of student-athletes on the roster who have the fortitude, as well as many other attributes needed to be a leader.
Among those golfers are the team captains Joseph Moschella (senior), Ricky Proctor (senior), Brooke Mackie and Shannon Wabake.
“Joseph is an excellent player and a quiet leader,’’ Pope John head coach Brian St. John said. “He's the guy all the players watch out on the course and model their play after. Ricky is more of the vocal leader. He's an Eagle Scout and leader around the school when it comes to things like community service projects. He's a pretty solid player too obviously.
“On the girl’s side, Brooke is the more vocal leader and Shannon is the one with the most varsity experience coming in to this season. She'll be the one playing with the kids with the least varsity experience in matches.’’
As is the case with just about all sports in the area, it’s safe to say that the weather hasn’t been very cooperative for Pope John.
“It's been a pretty miserable beginning of the golf season,’’ St. John said. “The boys have only had one match (through April 15), but they won. Joe shot a 40 and Ricky shot a 43 at the Knoll
West Country Club in Boonton against Parsippany Hills. The girls will have their first match today (April 16) against Kinnelon if it ever stops raining.’’
All four captains remain focused on their schoolwork while achieving success on the golf course.
“Both boys GPA’s are around 4.0,’’ St. John said. “Joseph will be going to the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and Ricky will be attending West Chester University. Both schools were their first choice. Brooke and Shannon have been accepted to several colleges but as of last week are undecided.’’
Each captain has proven to be a good role model for their teammates.
“[They help guide their teammates in] numerous ways,’’ St. John said. “It really depends on the kid. Younger players model the play and etiquette of good leaders.’’
Look for a number of student-athletes to contribute for the Lions this spring.
“Other players who have contributed thus far with low scores have been junior Eric Lavin and sophomore Alex Dupuis,’’ St. John said. “On the girl’s side, I'm expecting big seasons from my three returning sophomores Alana Balisi, Sophia Ippolito and Natalie Oliveira.’’
NOTES: The Lions have a match scheduled versus Mount Olive at Minebrook Golf Club in Hackettstown.