08/14/23 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Hollidaysburg's Isaac Miller putts on Hole #1.

By Michael Boytim

mboytim@altoonamirror.com

The landscape of area high school golf will be a lot different this season as almost the entire first and second team of the Altoona Mirror 2023 All-Star team has graduated.

Hollidaysburg returns the only two first teamers back in senior Isaac Miller, who qualified for the PIAA championships last year after winning a playoff to finish as the runner-up in the District 6 Class 3A championship, and defending District 6 Class 3A girls golf champion Crosby Denis, who is just a sophomore.

Miller will have to finish in the top two again this year if he wants to return to Penn State University for the state championships. Once again, the top seven in District 6 in Class 2A boys will move on.

The Golden Tigers also welcome Brody Partner-Gore, who was a second-team all-star for Bishop Guilfoyle last season.

Denis will be the favorite to repeat as Class 3A girls individual champion, and she will try to lead her Hollidaysburg team to a District 6 team title after State College won last season.

Central Cambria’s boys team returns four key players from last year’s team that went 31-4 and won the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference in the first season of the new-look league by edging fellow section champions Hollidaysburg and Bishop McCort.

There will be three new coaches, including Chuck Meyers at Altoona. The Mountain Lions went 11-3-1 last season and return Mirror second-teamer Krieghoff Cumming. Dan Solomon of Bellwood-Antis and Mark Mardula of Penn Cambria are the other new coaches in the area.

The season is scheduled to open today with local teams competing at the Happy Valley Invitational and Park Hills Invitational.

The following are capsules of the teams competing this season in the Mirror’s core coverage area.

BOYS

Altoona

Coach: Chuck Meyers, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 11-3-1

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors–Will Sankey, Kai Hillegas, Gavin Albright. Juniors–Krieghoff Cumming, Adam Kanouff

Other returning players: Seniors–Carmine Polito, Cole Civiello. Sophomore–Reese Hite

Newcomers: Seniors–Dylan Stewart, Aaron Smearman, Ryan McConnell. Junior–Luke Schimminger.

Strengths: “Experience and work ethic. We have a number of strong players returning and exciting new players joining the team. They have been competing, hitting the gym and working on their games over the summer.”

Concerns: “Leadership — I am looking forward to see who is going to step up and be a leader and make sure players are conducting themselves the right way and that they are putting the work in.”

Overall outlook: “We have a number of athletes who can really send it. When they round out their games and combine that with the players who have experience in competition, I believe we can go to states. I’m super excited for the challenge.”

Assistant coaches: Doug Meyers, Nate Hockenos

Bellwood-Antis

Coach: Dan Solomon, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 8-16

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Ryan Marinak, Sam Bailor

Other returning players: Senior–Leigha Clapper. Juniors–Lucas Fulmer, Alyssa Briggs. Sophomore–Gabriel Gummo

Newcomers: Senior–Zachary Gonzalez. Sophomore–Sean McFarland. Freshmen–Avery Bardell, Dean Hoffer, Killian Worthing, Maddox McCall, Tate Baughman, Nicolee Lovrich

Strengths: “Strong upperclassman leadership and overall numbers due to a large freshman class.”

Concerns: “We lost our No. 1 player and four total starters from last year. Consistency from newcomers.”

Overall outlook: “Cautiously optimistic. A successful season will be measured by the growth and development of all the players, but our competitiveness will be determined by how much our newcomers contribute.”

Assistant coach: Kirk Dodson

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Tim Holtz, second year

Career record: 13-17

Last year’s record: 13-17

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Cullen Myers, Kylee Yoder, Allison Carney. Junior–Sean Fisanick. Sophomores–Ethan Holtz, Brody Pablic, Landon Duman

Other returning players: Junior–Reagan Myung. Sophomore–Matt Zernick

Newcomers: Senior–Cory Franceshini. Juniors–Sarah Miller, Jace Casses, Caleb Shutty. Freshmen–Patrick Phillips, Nathan Carney, Winston Hall-Campbell

Strengths: “We have a good number of both returning players and newcomers that joined the team. We have several players very capable of competing at the district and state championship levels. These kids work hard and enjoy spending time on the range and the course preparing for the season.”

Concerns: “Being we have a large group of players and only are allowed to compete with five, we want to try and prepare each player for competition. Depending on their skill level, and where they are developmentally, that will guide us in the direction we want to go with each player individually.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to an enjoyable, competitive and developmental season. Regardless of record and skill set, our goal is to instruct the players on all components of the game so they continue to grow with the sport.”

Assistant coach: Matt Shutty

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Mark Scalice, sixth year

Career record: 58-25

Last year’s record: 23-12

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Sophomores–Grant Okonak, Aiden Sheehan, Max Burgmeier

Other returning players: Juniors–Brock Patel, Parker Knorr. Sophomores–Troy Nachtman, Chase Criste, Chase Imler, Nathan Simanski, Gavin Weyant, Joey Lehman

Newcomers: Seniors–Trevor Rehm, Nick Foor. Junior–Ty Shultz. Sophomores–Carter Boland, Evan Schimminger, Enzo Lascolli. Freshmen–Dominic Ianuzzi, Xavier Rhodes

Strengths: “We return three starters from last year who have a great deal of match experience in addition to some returning and new players who are ready to step into a starting role.”

Concerns: “Replacing our No. 1 and No. 2 players from a year ago presents a challenge, and we’re still a very young team.”

Overall outlook: “I think with some of the new and returning players who have proven themselves over the summer, we are in a good place as the season approaches. I look for Grant Okonak and Aiden Sheehan to have a breakout season as our goals remain the same, compete for a LHAC championship, win District 6 and advance to the state finals, our standard of excellence remains the same.”

Assistant coach: Brad Raven

Junior high coaches: Rick Tangeman, Adam Landolfi, Bret Miller, Mark Moschella Jr.

Central

Coach: Robbie Keith, 17th year

Last year’s record: 24-7

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Bryton Barnes. Sophomores–Cody Clapper, Ben Hartman

Other returning players: Seniors–Cortlyn Hetrick, Tyler Gach, Bryson Brooks, Marah Dickson. Sophomores–Brooks Matthews, Cameron Yingling, Kyle Gach

Newcomers: Junior–Hunter Keith. Freshmen–Tristan Ritchey, Ty Matthews

Strengths: “We have a group of players who were at the golf course all summer putting in the work.”

Concerns: “We only have a couple players with much tournament experience, so those players will really need to step up to help the untested players.”

Overall outlook: “If we can use the regular season as good practice for the playoffs, I think we can finish with a solid season in the playoffs. We want to get better throughout the season and hit our peak when it matters most.”

Assistant coach: None

Central Cambria

Coach: Keith Gilkey, 10th year

Career record: 91-29

Last year’s record: 31-4

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Austin Semelsberger. Juniors–Xavier Jorinscay, Angelo Persio, Jake Kirsch

Other players: Senior–Wes Holtz. Juniors–Logan Black, Shane Calpin, Brayden Swope. Sophomore–Lucas Lacorchick. Freshmen–Rocco Barra, Andrew Kasecky, Skyler Kozen, Maison Link

Strengths: “We are returning four players with match experience in Austin Semelsberger, Jake Kirsch, Angelo Persio and Xavier Jorinscay. We hope to advance the team and some individuals in district playoffs.”

Concerns: “We are very young this year with only one returning senior on the team. The expended LHAC is loaded with talent, so every week will be a challenge.”

Overall outlook: “The boys have been working hard this summer to earn their spot in the lineup. It will be fun to see how that work pays off.”

Co-head coach: Jaylee Sikora

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Bryan James, 14th year

Career record: 175-58-5

Last year’s record: 29-8

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Troy Allen, Dominic Battisti, Isaac Miller. Sophomore–Tyler Steiner

Other returning players: None

Newcomers: Senior–Brody Partner-Gore. Junior–Cole Malausky. Sophomores–Jackson Breene, Landen Petrunak, Isaac Tryninewski. Freshmen–Mason Bender, Braden Hatch, Liam Jancula, Dominik Johnston, Sam McLanahan

Strengths: “Good returning core that has improved since last season.”

Concerns: “Consistency.”

Overall outlook: “I am excited for this team. I feel that we have the correct pieces to be competitive in a variety of settings this fall.”

Assistant coach: Steve Genter

Penn Cambria

Coach: Mark Mardula, first year

Career record: 0-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Brandon Rabish, Andrew Nagle

Other returning players: Sophomores–Kaden Hartline, Vance Plazek, Madden Farabaugh, Colten Karlheim

Newcomers: Senior–Gavin Kick. Sophomores–Nate McCloskey, Bryce Mento, Joe Hanlon, Isaac Luther. Freshmen–Kingston Durbin, Luke Michina

Strengths: “Our team has a small but exceptional group of juniors and seniors who have been with the program since they were freshmen. They are great kids and do a fantastic job of setting a good example for the younger members of the team. I believe their experience and leadership will be key to the success of our program this year.”

Concerns: “We have a very young team, so there will be some growing pains, but these kids are truly dedicated. They are resilient and continuously working on improving their games.”

Overall outlook: “I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming season and can’t wait to see the team compete each week. While there will be some growing pains with our younger players, I’m confident that they’ll keep pushing forward and never give up. They’ve worked hard all summer and have made significant improvements to their game.”

Assistant coaches: Keith Saleme, Kate Little

Portage

Coach: Scott Burda, eighth year

Career record: 54-35

Last year’s record: 8-8

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Kaleb Castel, Jonah Irvin, Trae Kargo, Kaiden Zock, Bailey Patalune. Junior–Logan Gentile

Other returning players: Senior–Kendra Kunko. Juniors–Britton Myher, Konner Zock. Sophomores–Aiden Pauley, Nathan Phillips

Newcomers: Senior–Nicholas Baker. Sophomore–Aden Gabel

Strengths: “A group of young men and women that enjoy golf and a solid group of returning players.”

Concerns: “Consistency.”

Overall outlook: “This season we will have a large group of upperclassmen that will anchor our team. Many of them have been multi-year starters and have shown improvement over the years. I am looking for them to take the next step and consistently shoot their lowest scores. I am hoping that we can contend with the best teams in our conference and send this big group of seniors off with a winning record.”

Assistant coach: Jeff Vasilko

Tyrone

Coach: Mike Funicelli, sixth year

Career record: 128-32

Last year’s record: 12-18

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Juniors–Kaleb Sweitzer, Colin Burket

Other returning players: Senior–Logan Harpster. Junior–Ty Uplinger

Newcomers: Seniors–Dylan Ewing, Rhyse Hamp, Trace Lingafelt. Junior–Preston Long. Sophomores–William Lower, Ethan Reffner. Freshmen–Brayden Brumbaugh, Aiden Luther, Teagan Harpster

Strengths: “After having a small team last year we were able to get some fresh faces to come out and play this season. Some of them will be immediate contributors. Along with our No. 1, Kaleb, we have a young team with kids who love playing golf, so we hope to be competitive in every match..”

Concerns: “Replacing RJ Royer is our biggest concern. He was a stud golfer, and we could always count on him to post a score in the mid-70s. Our players will have to step up and work together to fill the void.”

Overall outlook: “Our goal is to compete for a Laurel Highlands team title and to have several players advance to the state competition. We will need several players to step up and be mentally tough and ready to grind it out.”

Assistant coach: Doug Sweitzer

GIRLS

Altoona

Coach: Joel Gilbert, fourth year

Career record: 11-17

Last year’s record: 6-3

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Senior–Clarissa Long. Juniors–Ellie Filer, Sofia Hallinan

Other returning players: None

Newcomers: Junior–Bailey Diehl. Sophomore–Vionna Jackson. Freshman–Averi Wilkinson

Strengths: “Experience with our three returning girls.”

Concerns: “Inexperience and numbers.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to having a great season. Ellie Filer returns with two district medals. Clarissa Long has played in the District 6 tournament all three seasons and is looking to do great things in her senior year. Sofia Hallinan really came on at the end of last season and is looking to build upon that momentum coming into this year. We will need production from our newcomers to help us compete against the top-level competition.”

Assistant coaches: Tom Fox, Mike Wilkinson

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Mark Scalice, second year

Career record: 1-3

Last year’s record: 1-3

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Elle Wilson, Ava Iapolucci

Other returning players: None

Newcomers: Senior–Ava Bagley. Junior–Taryn Carruthers

Strengths: “Elle Wilson has the most match experience and has had success at the District 6 level. Playing in a limited basis last season, Ava Iapolucci gained valuable match experience which will help as the season approaches.”

Concerns: “This will be our Inaugural season competing as a team. So we have a lot of unknowns.”

Overall outlook: “The girls have worked hard over the summer and are ready to go, with the leadership of Elle and Ava and newcomers Eva Bagley and Taryn Carruthers, I believe the girls will be competitive and have a successful season.”

Assistant coach: Brad Raven

Central Cambria

Coach: Keith Gilkey, 10th year

Career record: 59-10

Last year’s record: 14-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Jazmine Boland. Sophomore–Bella Mesoras

Other players: Sophomores–Mackenzie Sweeny, Samantha Hill. Freshmen–Maddie Dumm, Leah Papcinick

Strengths: “We have two returning starters in Jazmine Boland and Bella Mesoras. They have stepped up as our leaders and do a great job of helping our younger girls improve.”

Concerns: “Girls golf continues to grow in the area, which is great, but the competition gets tougher each year.”

Overall outlook: “We look forward to seeing where we stack up. We are sad to have Coach (Gretchen) Getz step down, but we are excited to welcome Coach Jaylee Sikora. Coach Sikora and I expect the girls to have another great year.”

Co-head coach: Jaylee Sikora

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Jill Hileman, fourth year

Career record: 43-8-1

Last year’s record: 11-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Alexis Peacock. Juniors–Lucy Carles, Laila Panaro. Sophomore–Crosby Denis

Other returning players: Seniors–Olivia Miknis, Sara Waldron, Lauren Hajnosz, Avery Hooper, Olivia Bisacco

Newcomers: Junior–Rylee Harshaw. Freshmen–Reagan Bihary, Aerie Kerstetter, Maliah Malausky, Piper Weidly

Strengths: “We have four returning starters who were important contributors to our team’s overall success last year and who also gained a significant amount of match experience. We also have a group of girls coming back who showed improvement over the course of the season last year. Our freshman class has some experience as well.”

Concerns: “This is our largest team we’ve had in a long time. Once concern will be getting all of the girls some match play experience throughout the season.”

Overall outlook: “Our returning players will be strong contributors in all our matches. Our goal is to build on last year’s success and hopefully have some team success in winning a District 6 championship.”

Assistant coach: Mitch Johns

Penn Cambria

Coach: Mark Mardula, first year

Career record: 0-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Elle Myers. Juniors–Avery Glass, Kiya Thomas

Newcomers: Sophomore–Celia Barnish. Freshmen–Ava Wirfel, Kendall McConnell, Makayla Durbin

Strengths: “Our team has a small but exceptional group of juniors and seniors who have been with the program since they were freshmen. They are great kids and do a fantastic job of setting a good example for the younger members of the team. I believe their experience and leadership will be key to the success of our program this year.”

Concerns: “We have a very young team, so there will be some growing pains, but these kids are truly dedicated. They are resilient and continuously working on improving their games.”

Overall outlook: “I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming season and can’t wait to see the team compete each week. While there will be some growing pains with our younger players, I’m confident that they’ll keep pushing forward and never give up. They’ve worked hard all summer and have made significant improvements to their game.”

Assistant coaches: Keith Saleme, Kate Little