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04/23/2014 12:00 AMThe T-Birds have a new leader of their golf program. North Branford High School psychologist Scott Hunt has claimed the job and is looking to improve a program that's had limited numbers the past few seasons.
Scott was the school psychologist at East Lyme Middle School the last three years, but recently made the move to North Branford and actively sought a role with the golf club.
"I said that I wanted to coach golf whenever I got the opportunity for years now and, when I got hired here, I didn't even know there was an opening or the potential for one," says Scott, whose squad recently began its season. "During my first week of work, I just found [Athletic Director] Kory [Kevorkian] and sat down with him and said that I was really interested in coaching golf."
Scott's interest began when he was just 10 years old while growing up within walking distance to a golf course in the town of Washington.
"I actually got into golf through caddying because the caddies could play for free on Mondays and that's how I got into it and I just loved it," says Scott, who was an All-State golfer at Shepaug Valley High School his junior and senior seasons.
The biggest challenge for Scott moving forward is that his new job at North Branford marks the first time he's ever coached a squad.
"Yes, this is my first head coaching job," says Scott. "I've done tons of research and have spent hours working on my golf swing and have taught myself a lot of things. We've been practicing at the range working on getting the rust off and I think a lot of what's in my swing I can help apply to the guys moving forward."
Even if things do move along slowly at the beginning, Scott can get some guidance from former Head Coach Tommy Fair.
"He has really helped me out so far just getting my feet off the ground because he's been doing this for more than five years," says Scott. "If there are any questions that I have, he's been an excellent resource for me so far. If I ever need anything, he's there to help me where is a really good asset."
One big advantage Scott has is that he's already in the building. That was also a big reason why Kevorkian decided to give him an opportunity.
"It was nice. Scott was just a natural fit," says Kevorkian. "He's in the building, which is obviously a plus. He has that golf background, but this is his first coaching job."
Scott's squad features 10 athletes this season, which is four more than the T-Birds had a year ago. The coach says that he and his athletes interact with ease throughout the day.
"It's already been beneficial with me being here because I see these kids in the hallway, they're stopping in to fill me in on something, or to say hi," says Scott. "If I need something, I can call them out of class for five minutes and chat with them. It's been a big help as far as getting to know the kids and getting them to know me."
Although Scott is new to the coaching world, North Branford has acquired a devoted golfer who will do whatever he can to help his team progress.
"Being a new coach, it's all about taking the initiative and stepping up to the plate and trying to help the kids," says Scott. "I'm very interested in coaching golf. It's really my passion to teach the mechanics of the golf swing and I think I can really help some of the kids out, especially the ones that are just learning, and help build the golf program here at North Branford." To nominate a sports person of the week, email sports@shorepublishing.com.