By Sue Gottlieb
FCASD Athletic Department
The boys’ varsity golf team didn’t waste any time getting reorganized after summer break.
Instead, they started the school year with their first-ever team champions win at the Garrison Invitational, an 18-hole tournament played at Latrobe Country Club that typically signifies the beginning of the Foxes’ golf season.
The tournament featured six schools, five of which Coach Deal describes as powerhouse teams.
“It was a big day for the varsity team,” said Coach Bryan Deal. “They won by a total of 11 shots over Erie Cathedral Prep and 14 over Central Catholic. The kids played under pressure and they were very impressive, especially this early in the season.”
Sophomore Matt Friday shot a 79 in his varsity debut and earned the individual gold medal. Senior Patrick Sheerer followed closely with an 80, while fellow senior Jorden Alfery and freshman Anthony Cordaro both shot an 81. Senior DJ Diethrich shot equally as well with an 82.
“This is extremely balanced team and you can see that in their scores,” says Coach Deal. “It’s especially exciting when you consider we have such a young team.”
Coach Deal thinks there’s a good reason for their early success. “We have a committed core of kids who played competitive junior youth golf over the summer, and that makes a big difference. This is the best start we’ve had in awhile.”
That’s quite a commendation considering last year’s team had a perfect section record and won the WPIAL Class AAA section championship title.