Entering the 2015 season, the Geibel boys golf team will be under the direction of a new coach.

Angelo Testa is replacing Judy Morrow, and despite his new position, he is familiar with this group of Gators.

"I teach all of them in class," said Testa, a science teacher at Geibel. "It's a great group of kids, and I'm glad I can coach them."

Testa knows his players have a passion for the game.

"They're all dedicated," Testa said. "Even in school, we've talked about golf and ways to improve."

In addition to being dedicated, the Gators are also an experienced team. Geibel lost just one starter, Matthew Emerson, to graduation. There are at least six players on the roster with a solid amount of varsity playing time.

Junior Anthony Lovat is expected to hold the top spot in the lineup, with seniors Steve Conko and Bailey Miller playing in the second and third positions, respectively.

Senior Vinny Delsignore and juniors Joel Lazar and John Luke Tlumack will round out the top six on most occasions.

"Those will probably be my six starters, but that could change based on how players are performing," Testa said. "I have other kids that could move up there with no problem."

There are 11 players on the varsity squad. However, the six returners will be counted on heavily.

"They are all returning, so that really helps me out a lot," Testa said. "It's good to have a group that is familiar with the courses that we'll play."

While experience and dedication are important, Conko believes he and his teammates have another quality characteristic of a good team.

"We're a really close team," Conko said. "A lot of us have played together for a long time. Our team camaraderie is good, and we like to have fun."

Conko is hoping that among all the fun, the team can rack up its share of wins, especially in Section 2-AA.

"The top goal would be to win the section," Conko said. "We want to do very well in the section."

Testa, who played golf at Hempfield and Westmoreland County Community College, is excited to have the chance to coach this year's team at Geibel.

"As a coach, ultimately, you want to have a winning season," Testa said. "But the main thing is I want to see improvement. That would make me very happy."

Jason Black is the local sports editor of the Daily Courier. Reach him at jblack@tribweb.com.