PSUD Golf Team Set For Season Opener

The Penn State DuBois golf team is set to begin their inaugural season with a trip to Penn State New Kensington on Thursday.  The golfers will be under the direction of long time coach Pat Lewis as they begin their 2013 season.  Lewis coached both men's and women's golf for many years at Cameron County High School and helped turn in several undefeated seasons.

"The administration and athletic department decided in April to introduce golf to the varsity athletic programs at Penn State DuBois to give the area golfers another chance to play golf at the collegiate level", said Coach Lewis.  He added, "We have put together, what I consider, a very competitive group of golfers in a very short period of time for this season.  We should represent PSUD well and show that there are many talented golfer in the surrounding areas."

Sophomore John Gaylor (Clearfield) is the most experienced golfer as he finished third in the District 9 finals in 2011.  Two other sophomores that have shown a great deal of promise, never played golf in high school because they were football standouts during the golf season.  John Kane (DuBois) has shown steady scores and leadership and Derek Buganza (Brockway), the PIAA record setting quarterback, will be showcasing his golf swing instead of his throwing arm. Two Brookville golfers, sophomore Tighe Truman, a District 9 qualifier, and senior Nicholas Carrier will also supply strong competition during the season.

Two freshmen that should contribute immediately are Owen Braun (Mechanicsburg) and Vinny Montanari (Redbank Valley).  Braun has extensive tournament experience as a standout high school golfer and Montanari golfed in the District 9 Championships last year.  Three golfers that round out the squad are Aaron Herzing (DuBois CC), Tom Fugate (DuBois) and Katie DeAngelo (DuBois).  All three golfers have shown promise and will be competing for playing time by the season's end.

"We play in the PSUAC (Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference) and we have put together a strong enough team to be competitive in the conference.  I believe that if we play up to our abilities, we will have a shot at being one of the top teams, even in our first season" said Lewis.  He added, "And if we peak at the right time, we could be right in the mix for the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) national championship in the first week in October."