VOORHEESVILLE — coach Tom Gladd was surprised by his team this year.

His team from 2004 lost seven seniors to graduation and Gladd knew he would have to rebuild this year.
"We did better than .500," Gladd said. "We did a little better than I thought."

The Blackbirds finished with a 10-8 overall record and 9-7 record in the Colonial Council this fall.
"We did some good things," Gladd said. "Cobleskill is traditionally a good team and we beat them twice. Schalmont is always a good team and we beat them both times."

The Blackbirds also had a golfer qualify for the inter-sectional tournament to determine who will compete in the state tournament held in the spring.

Senior Pete Lindner took part in the event that started on Tuesday.

Lindner shot a 80 to finish in the top 14 at the Class C-D sectional tournament and advance to the inter-sectional meet. The medalist of the tournament shot a 75.
"He played well overall to earn the inter-sectional spot," Gladd said. "He’s been playing pretty well so we’ll see what happens.
"He has the potential to make the state team," Gladd added. "We’ll see how it plays itself out this week."

Justin Arico has been the Blackbirds’ number-two player all year. The junior also qualified for the Class C-D sectional tournament.
"He’s been steady all year long," Gladd said. "He’ll come back and be one of the senior leaders on the team."

Senior Mark Casolo also qualified for the sectional tournament and has been the third top player for the Birds this season.

John Malfetano was the number-four player for the Birds this season and became a good player as a freshman.
"He really worked on his game over the summer," Gladd said. "He had a real solid year. He improved steadily all year."

Dan Healy filled the number-five slot as a freshman.
"It’s his first year and he came close to qualifying for sectionals," Gladd said. "That’s not too bad for a freshman. He’ll continue to work on his game. He’s a big kid that hits the ball well."

Senior Jake Norris was the number-six player on the squad.
"He had a good year," Gladd said. "He finished out the year strong."

Steven Wang, a junior, was the seventh player for the Blackbirds this season.
"It was his first year back," Gladd said. "He hadn’t played in a couple of years. He played a lot this year. Our fourth through seventh was interchangeable this season. He’ll be back as a senior and provide leadership."

Eighth-grader R.J. Cave was new to the team and worked hard at his game and got better during the season.
"He didn’t play any meets as a scoring player," Gladd said, "but he played some good rounds and played well. He did a good job. We have some young, good players that love golf and work on their game."

Clay Miller is a senior and came out for the team after being cut the year before.
"We are allowed to carry only 10 players," Gladd said. "He played in a few matches. He’s a nice guy and a lot of fun. He’s even-keeled and he showed the younger guys how to behave on the course."

Freshman J.T. Campbell rounded out the roster.
"He came out for the team but didn’t have a lot of experience," Gladd said. "He played in one scoring match. But he will get better and keep working on his game."

With the team season over, Gladd is looking ahead to next year and all the returning players that he will have.
"We’ll have a couple of slots to fill," the coach said. "But the young guys have developed already. I’m looking forward to next year and to having more success."