Experience.
That will be what several teams in the Altoona Mirror Coverage area will be gaining or losing at the start of the 2012 high school golf season.
Defending District 6 champion Central Cambria's losses will be highlighted by Edward Maruca, who went on to St. Francis, but the Red Devils won't have to look any further than seniors Max Kirsch and Sam Stevens to lead the team into the new year. Kirsch won the individual D6 title a year ago.
Article Photos
Mirror file photo by J.D. Cavrich
Central Cambria’s Max Kirsch will return this season to defend his District 6 championship.
"Seniors like Max Kirsch and Sam Stevens are accomplished players as well as great role models for the younger players," Red Devil coach Tom Aurandt said.
The Tyrone Golden Eagles will be looking for a repeat performance from senior Gregory Ferguson, who qualified for the state tournament last year.
Bedford will be looking to win back-to-back District 5 championships returning three starters from last year's team.
Bishop Guilfoyle returns a plethora of starters led by Chris Michelone.
Everett will be led by two-time District 5 champion Logan Brallier.
Gene Snyder will be taking the reigns as head coach by himself this year after having shared the top post at Northern Bedford. The Panthers return five starters.
On the girls front, Hollidaysburg will once again be in contention for a District 6 championship with senior Quincy Gildea leading the way.
Here's a capsulized look at the rest of the Mirror coverage area:
Altoona
Coach: Erick Kozak, eighth year
Career record: 47-23
Conference: None
Returning players: Andrew Burlingame, sr.; Chris Curfman, sr.; Cody Hoffman, sr.; Trentin Martin, soph.; Thad Zitsch, soph.
Newcomers: Joel Reighard, jr.; Derek Fink, fresh.; Trey Barefoot, fresh.; Ashley Michelone, fresh.
Strengths: "We have a nice group of players who are willing to work hard to improve their game and get better.''
Concerns: "Our team is very young and inexperienced.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to be competitive in all of our matches and improve as the season progresses.''
Assistant coaches: Adam Camberg
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Ken Swanson, seventh year
Career record: 30-53
Last year's record: 11-4, 5-1 ICC
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seth Hunter, sr; Jacob Pearsopn, sr.; Steffan Wyland, sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Mallory Harold, soph.; Curt Messner, soph.; Adam Osborne, soph.
Newcomer: Logan Morrison, fresh.
Strengths: "We have an experienced group of athletes returning.''
Concerns: "To be successful, this sport requires individual commitment during the offseason considering the PIAA golf season is only eight weeks. It will soon be apparent who worked on their game during the offseason and who didn't.''
Overall outlook: "As a team, we should be competitive in our league and hope to have two or more individuals make it through to sectionals and into the District 6 tournament.''
Assistant coaches: Galen Claar, Greg Perry
Bedford
Coach: Matt Barkman, third year
Career record: 16-12
Last year's record: 9-4, 4-4 LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Cole Wilson, sr.; Kevin McDaniel, jr.; Nick Straub, jr.; Zack Kendall, sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Ryan Styer, sr.; Corey McDaniel, jr.; Bailey Martin, soph.
Newcomers: David Cain, soph.; Kourtney Mortimer, soph.; Andrew Smith, soph.; Levi Bowman, fresh.; Jeff Kidd, fresh.; Cody Tew, fresh.
Strengths: "We return three of the five members that won the District 5 title.''
Concerns: "Lack of experience at other golf courses and depending on Freshmen/Sophomores to step in and contribute right away.''
Overall outlook: "I am really excited about this team. They have good chemistry and a team-first attitude. We hope to improve as the year goes and have a repeat District 5 championship.''
Assistant coaches: Matthew Bullington
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Doug Link, 14th year
Last year's record: 5-5
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Zach Farabaugh, Caleb Oldham, Scott Ranck, Josh Surkovich, Luke Vasilko
Newcomers: Courtney Link
Strengths: "Good group of kids that are willing to learn.''
Concerns: "Young and inexperienced.''
Overall outlook: "Should have a fun year.''
Assistant coaches: Jeff Vasilko
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Rick Tangeman, 17th year
Career record: 78-112
Last year's record: 6-5, 6-4 LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Chris Michelone, sr.; E.J. Madey, Sr.; Conner Wharton, Sr.; Brian Sullivan, Sr.; Mark Frederick, Sr.; Jarred Barber, Soph.; Jarred Cummings, soph.
Other returning letterwinners: John Jackson, sr.; John Hazenstab, sr.; Mark Kosko Blyler, sr.; Gordon Hollingshead, jr.; Alex Mincin, jr.; Sean Anderson, soph.
Newcomers: Morgan Litzinger, soph.; Andy Berger, soph.; Joe Dombrowski, soph.; Aidan Sweeney, fresh.; Bryan Kozak, fresh.; Alex Bakale, fresh.
Strengths: "With four returning senior starters, we will look for their match experience to lead us through this season.''
Concerns: "Our team's overall short game needs to improve. Sixty percent of this game is a 100 yards and in. To stay competitive this has to be our No. 1 priority.''
Overall outlook: "We are excited about the upcoming season. Our senior class has worked hard to improve over the last four years and their experience will help us compete. We have an excellent group of underclassmen who are determined to lower their scores''
Assistant coaches: Dan Lawruk
Central
Coach: Robbie Keith, sixth year
Last year's record: 6-3
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Matt Dillon, sr.; Jarrett Ritchey, sr.; Tyler Hoover, sr.; Preston Gregg, jr.; Ben Brumbaugh, jr.; Ryan Mills, jr.
Other returning letterwinners: Nick Strum, jr.; Kyler Ferry, jr.; Brittany Mayer, soph.
Newcomers: Trystan Greenland, jr.; Blake Burkett, jr.; Brian Brumbaugh, soph.; Cassidi Barnes, soph.; Seth Gunnett, fresh.
Strengths: "We should have a strong core of juniors and seniors who have played in matches since they were freshmen, so our experience for us will be a big plus this season.''
Concerns: "After our top five or six players, we don't have much competitive experience, so we need our younger players to learn quickly and be able to contribute to the team by the time playoffs roll around.''
Overall outlook: "I believe we have a solid team and if we play to our ability, can make a good run at districts, especially with the addition of big/small classes in PIAA golf.''
Assistant coaches: None
Central Cambria
Coach: Tom Aurandt, second year
Career record: 10-1
Last year's record: 10-1 LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Anthony Berzonsky, sr., Dylan Bowers, sr.; Jared Bowers, sr.; Max Kirsch, sr.; Eric Orner, sr.; Sam Stevens, sr.; Gabe Seymour, soph,; Dominic Stevens, soph.
Other returning letterwinners: Cameron Hoffman, soph.; Tyler Weigel, soph.
Newcomers: Randy Hodgson, sr.; Olivia Lipnic, sr.; Ben Weyandt, jr.; Braden Hoffman, fresh.; Coleman Long, fresh.
Strengths: "Our returning starters are the core and strength to this team and our overall success will depend upon their consistent play. Seniors like Max Kirsch and Sam Stevens are accomplished players as well as great role models for the younger players. I expect Dylan and Jared Bowers to have break-out seasons. Anthony Berzonsky and Eric Orner should also do well. I'm really excited about the solid play of our sophomores, Gabe Seymour, Dominic Stevens, and Tyler Weigel and know they will surprise a lot of the competition with their games.''
Concerns: "Obviously the loss through graduation of Edward Maruca, Zach Woodley and Austin Crimmons. They were terrific players, highly competitive, with great games and attitudes. However, I fully expect our remaining players to pick up where this great trio left off.''
Overall outlook: "Our goals are to win the LHAC and repeat as District 6 and Wheeling Champions. We'd also like to capture the Anderson crown. I'm very optimistic this season will bring many successes - individually for some but certainly as a team as well. In truth, I look forward to this season, whatever the outcomes, as I have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of student athletes.''
Assistant coaches: None
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Brad Criswell
Last year's record: 2-6
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Derrick Claar, Greg Hauck, Brandon M. Weyant, Luke Stultz, Hunter Beisinger
Strengths: "We have a enthusiastic attitude, and a willingness to learn the game.''
Concerns: "We are quite young, with none of our nine golfers being seniors.''
Assistant coaches: None
Everett
Coach: Gene Decker, second year
Career record: 10-7
Last year's record: 10-7
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Kyle Walters; Logan Brallier; Aubrea Phipps; Matt Zanella; Colton Williams
Other returning letterwinners: None
Newcomers: Tanner Mellot; Tim Knox
Strengths: "Although young, we have some experience. The kids played all summer to hone their skills.''
Concerns: "Most likely will be consistency.''
Overall outlook: "I was encouraged by the players willingness to play throughout the summer. They saw their game improve and they, along with myself, are looking forward to the start of the season.''
Assistant coaches: None
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Bryan James, second year
Career record: 7-1
Last year's record: 7-1
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Jordan Kirsch sr,; Nolan Robbins, sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Dominic Viduya, sr; Hunter Shields, jr.; Grant Delozier, soph.; Jerome Landry, soph.; Danny Stubbs, soph.
Newcomers: Ross Woomer, sr.; Charlie Lafferty, jr.; Jesse Ottaway, soph.; David Snyder, fresh.; David Schraff, fresh.
Strengths: "This team has strong leadership by upperclassmen and each player is committed to achieving our goals.''
Concerns: "Overall consistency on a day-to-day basis.''
Overall outlook: "Our objective is to have competitive showings and continue to improve upon all facets of the game as the season progresses.''
Assistant coaches: None
Northern Bedford
Coach: Gene Snyder, sixth year
Last year's record: 2-8
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning players: J.J. McCabe, sr.; Jake Frederick, sr.; Kyle Guyer, sr.; Garrett England, sr.; Jared Baker, jr.; Koty Cadwick, jr.; Mitchell McDonald, jr.; Caleb Grace, soph.; Zane Grimes, soph.; Brandon Wright, soph.
Newcomers: Collin Guyer, fresh.
Strengths: "We have five seniors who have gotten experience over the past two years and will lead our team. J.J. McCabe finished runner up in districts and won the ICC tournament so it's a big plus to have him at the top of our lineup.''
Concerns: "Developing depth to compete with the teams on our schedule.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to improve on our overall record from last year and contend for our league and district championships.''
Assistant coaches: None
Northern Cambria
Coach: T.J. Mullen, second year
Career record: 4-6
Last year's record: 4-6
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Nick Lee, sr.; Matt Eckenrode, sr.; Ray McCullough, jr.; Zach Lee, jr.; Brennan Carroll, sr.; Joe Nealen, soph.;
Newcomers: Tyler Tieci, sr.; Jim Rescinito, soph.
Strengths: "Hard working group of players who are eager to learn and have a passion for the game. We have good team depth.''
Concerns: "Consistency, some inexperienced players.''
Overall outlook: "Very excited about our team this season. We have a very good core group of players who give us the opportunity to compete for the conference title.''
Penn Cambria
Coach: Chris Wilk, 24th year
Last year's record: 1-7, 1-6 LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Donte Perino, jr.; Robert Pramuk, jr.; Ian Dunmyer, soph.; Nolan Link, soph.; Jacob Stevens, soph.; Will Wilkinson, soph.
Other returning letterwinners: Brian McElheny, sr.; Kim Sanders, sr.; Justin McElheny, jr.; Josh Zimmer, jr.; Madison Krug, soph.; Riley Nickerson, soph.; Seb Pettenati, soph.; Devin Selip, soph.; Jordan Stombaugh, soph.; Matt Wray, soph.; Jared Buck, fresh.; Matt Maruska, fresh.; Derek Olsick, fresh.; Dillon Perino, fresh.
Strengths: "Very postive and upbeat attitude. Experienced team returning. Improved scoring average. More players will be competing for starting and alternate positions.''
Concerns: "We are still a young team. Our short game is still not where we need to be. Returning starters do have experience but only one year.''
Overall outlook: "Our goals are to improve our overall scoring averages from last year, if we can do this it will translate into more competitive outings. As a team we have shown improvement so more players will be given consideration and the opportunity to compete for positions..''
Assistant coaches: None
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Tracy Vipond, 13th year
Last year's record: 4-6
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Andrew Reifer, sr.; Jon Sauber, sr.; Eric Nartatez, sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Austin Slother, soph.; Kyle Witmer, soph.
Newcomers: Joe Bickle, fresh.; Stephen Crain, fresh.; Bryce Dunlap, fresh.; William Granville, fresh.
Strengths: "Three exprienced letterwinners.''
Concerns: "Lack of depth.''
Overall outlook: "With three seniors on the team, we should be competitive within the league.''
Portage
Coach: Bernie Gorba
Last year's record: 4-4
Conference: WestPAC
Returning starters: Alex Bobolsky, Joe Maloskey, Brandon Walkovich
Other returning letterwinners: None
Newcomers: Benneft Falvo, Frank Fordick, Steven Panick, Brad Rosemas, Nick Thrower, Richard Wolford
Strengths: "Senior leadership with Walkovich and Bobolsky. Some good first year players.''
Concerns: "Will the new guys step up and shoot some good fourth and fifth scores?''
Overall outlook: "We will have a competitive team and will win some matches. We are looking to improve on last year's finish.''
Assistant coaches: Rodger Walkovich
Tyrone
Coach: Greg Ferguson, seventh year
Career record: 61-18-1
Last year's record: 9-4 overall, 7-2 Mountain League
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Elijah DeHaven, soph.; Gregory Ferguson, sr.
Other returning letterwinners: None
Newcomers: Steven Lucas, fresh.; Sean McGovern, fresh.
Strengths: "Gregory is returning as a state qualifier. He returns as the winner of the Wheeling Invitational.''
Concerns: "We don't have any depth at all."
Overall outlook: "We're trying to hang in there as a team. We look for some strong individual events and build for the future.''
Assistant coaches: Chris Perry
Hollidaysburg girls
Coach: Bernie Jubeck, second year
Career record: 10-0
Last year's record: 10-0
Conference: None
Returning starters: Quincy Gildea, sr.; Marissa Rosensteel, sr.; Abby Love, jr.
Other returning letterwinners: Anna Springier, jr.; Ginger Glass, jr.
Newcomers: Maddie Herkert, sr.; Maddison Fitch, fresh.
Strengths: "Great attitudes, coachable, determined and drive to get better each day.''
Concerns: "Inexperience and consistency.''
Overall outlook: "Looking forward to being competitive with our schedule.''
Philipsburg-Osceola girls
Coach: Larry Kolbe, second year
Career record: 4-10
Last year's record: 4-10
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Katie Burns, Natalie Conte, Rachel Wardo, Abby Showers
Other returning letterwinners: Jess Burns
Newcomers: Erica Coval, Drew Peters, Haley Frank, Katie Meersand, Chelsea Brown, Haylee Hayward
Strengths: "We have some experienced golfers returning and our numbers have vastly improved. The girls have been working hard in practice to improve. Jesse Burns return should provide a boost also.''
Concerns: "Although we have better numbers this year along with some experience, we are still a very young team [one senior]. The kids have been working very hard in practice, but are still improving.''
Overall outlook: "We expect to be improved this year for several reasons. We return a total of five letterwinners (Four from last year's team and one from 2010 who was out with injury last year). Experience gained last year should contribute to better play this year. We also have 11 golfers this year, which will provide competition for starting positions.''
Assistant coaches: None
