BOYS BOWLING PREVIEW: New Southold coach preaches teamwork

Teamwork. It is the one concept that Sal Campo, the first-year Southold First Settlers bowling coach, keeps coming back to.

“We really have a unified team,” said Campo, who takes the team over from the retired Ray Gramazio. “We are well-balanced and the kids work together. They help each other. They root each other on. This is a great group of kids.”

Last season the First Settlers had 197 points and placed fifth in Suffolk County League V. Graduation hit Southold hard. Still, Campo has a corps of returning veterans to count on like seniors Patrick Sinclair, Chris Manfredi and Chris Kirincic as well as juniors Brayan Palencia, Patrick Smith and Zach DePaulis, and sophomore Ben Glew.

Smith had a 175 average, followed by Sinclair (174) and Palencia and Manfredi both at 166.

Newcomers Kieran Brodarick, a junior, and sophomore Kyle Sparacino will also see action.

The Mount Sinai Mustangs, East Hampton/Bridgehampton/Pierson Bonackers and Southampton Mariners will all be tough to beat. But Campo said, “We can move up fast.”

“We have the potential to be the league champion,” he said. “Our new kids still need to develop their form a bit. They have come along fast, but we still need a little more consistency.”

Campo said keeping a “serious focus” is essential for the First Settlers to be successful this season.

“It is still early, but things are falling into place,” he said. “If all goes well … if we can continue the momentum we have … if we can continue our unified approach … that is the key to make good things happen. If we can keep doing those things, it gives us a big advantage.”