John Guerrera ‘tees up’ to lead the golf team in 2021 return to play

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Connecticut State Golf Association (GSGA)

Pursuing perfection — 2021 Boys Golf captain John Guerrera plays his approach to the second green in the 2020 Connecticut Junior Amatuer Championship at the Watertown Country Club. Guerrera has been named an All-Central Connecticut Conference athlete twice during his time on the team.

Sydney Bigelow, Opinions Editor

Joining the boy’s golf team for his fourth and final year, senior John Guerrera prepares for a difficult but rewarding season playing in the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC). Guerrera has received numerous accomplishments throughout his time on the team and continues to put his best foot forward as the 2021 spring sports season approaches.

Guerrera first stepped on the green at the age of seven, working with family members and coaches to develop his skills. He began playing for the high school team his freshman year, and continued to contribute to the team his sophomore year. During those two years, he averaged the lowest score on the team and was named an All-CCC athlete for both seasons. Unfortunately, he missed out on playing his junior year due to the pandemic, but he returns to the team again in 2021 for his senior season as a captain.

“John has always been the prototype when it comes to being consistent. Not only with his performance during matches, but also during practice. John has always been one of the last golfers to leave, constantly pursuing perfection. This has helped lead our team to success during his tenure as a member of the FHS Golf team. I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him,” coach Sean Mongillo said. 

Guerrera’s favorite team memories all come from times shared at meets, on busses, and after practices, but he also appreciates personal accomplishments throughout the seasons. He is most proud of his performance at the State Tournament in 2019, where he finished sixth overall. He had been working on his game all year and was excited to see his hard work pay off. 

“The ability to grow not only as a team but as friends has been a really great experience. The biggest aspiration I have for this season is for myself and the team to have fun. After the challenges of the past year I think we owe it to ourselves to go out and play the game we enjoy. That being said, the team can work hard and have fun at the same time,” Guerrera said. 

Similar to previous seasons, Guerrera has ambitious goals for the team and himself. He hopes to once again earn the title of All-CCC athlete, as well as wanting the team to do well throughout the year and in post season tournaments against other CCC players. He is joined by seniors Will Burruss and co-captain Cullen Laberge, along with many underclassmen players. 

When he is not playing for the high school, Guerrera competes in various state and national level events, where he tests his game against some of the strongest players in the local area.  He plans on continuing his athletic career at the collegiate level but currently remains uncommitted to any National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) team.