Disc golf giving back
CRANBERRY TWP — John Maddalone accepted an invitation from his friends to, as he put it, "Go hiking with some sport thrown in".
That was a decade ago in Oregon. Ten years and a cross-country move later have not dulled his love of disc golf.
"You're outside, in nature, and the cost is really low if you want it to be," said Maddalone, who moved to the New Castle area six months ago. He was one of 72 people who competed in the second annual Cranberry Sunset Rotary Disc Golf Doubles Tournament at North Boundary Park on Saturday. He played solo and came in at plus-9 on the par-71 course.
"Disc golf is massive in Oregon and I've been playing ever since I learned the game. Since moving, I've played on courses in Hermitage and Sharon, but this was my first time here," said Maddalone. "It's really difficult, challenges you on every shot.
"This course is up and down, in the woods, and it tests your endurance."
Each player paid a registration fee of $50, with the proceeds benefiting the Butler County Humane Society. Last year, the event provided funds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds for children in need of them in the Mars area.
The Sunset Rotary was formed three years ago.
"We want to help as many people as we can," said its president Jonathan Cohen. "The goal is for this tournament to benefit a different organization in Butler County every year. We won't know exactly how much we raise until the 50/50 money is counted, but we're hoping to break $15,000."
"We're awarding trophies to the top three teams and each golfer gets a T-shirt, disc golf bag, lunch and raffle tickets for a chance to win one of a number of gift baskets with items donated from local businesses."
Mother Nature cooperated, providing perfect conditions for the tournament.
"It's not hot, not raining ... I couldn't imagine a better day for this," said Cohen.
An optimal environment for disc golfers to challenge themselves and everyone met with some frustration while doing it.
"We competed here last year and ended up at even-par," said Jake Kobal, of Peters Township, who teamed up with his brother, Jon. "We were hoping for minus-3 today and were on track to get it, but we had a double bogey late and finished at plus-1. That's still a pretty good round for us.
"This sport is easy to pick up, you can play right away and even if you're not that great, it's still fun."
Jon Kobal feels more comfortable throwing his discs with a forehand motion.
"I played a lot of baseball growing up and that's what I'm used to. I'm pretty good with my drives," he said. "Backhand is still challenging for me."
Cari Ciancio, executive director of the Butler County Humane Society, is grateful that her organization is the beneficiary of this year's event.
"With any donation that comes in, we have some administrative costs, but we try to put as much money toward the animals as we can," she said. "We've taken in a lot of strays and neglected animals over the summer and this will definitely help us take care of them."
