The second time around has proven to be much more enjoyable for Alex Intihar.

The Seneca Valley graduate and Grove City College golfer is a key player in the Wolverines' quest for a President's Athletic Conference title.

But there was a time when Intihar believed his days of playing competitive golf were over.

After starring at Seneca Valley for four years, Intihar tried out for Grove City's team and made the cut his freshman year.

"I made the team," said Intihar, who is a co-captain on this year's squad. "But then I decided not to play. I wasn't really sure how much time it would require of me, and I decided to just focus on my studies."

Intihar, whose father introduced him to the game at a young age at Connoquenessing Country Club, still hit the links on a regular basis, even though he wasn't playing for the Wolverines.

"I played a good bit just to keep my skills up," the junior said. "But I honestly thought I'd never play competitively again. I just didn't see a future in it for me."

Then came his sophomore year, and the golf season rolled around in March 2003.

"A few of my friends were going out for the team, and I decided to give it another shot," said Intihar.

After making the cut for the second straight year, Intihar enjoyed a respectable showing last season.

"I would say it was a so-so performance," he said. "I lettered and it was a step forward for me. I just enjoyed being on the course again.

"Looking back, I'm glad I took a year off," added Intihar. "It made me realize how much I love the game and how good I can be at it."

Intihar wanted to take another step forward this season and worked hard in the off-season to accomplish that goal.

"I practiced a lot over the summer," he said. "I knew that this year's team would have no seniors and that I would have a good chance of being a captain."

Intihar has golfed in four tournaments for the Wolverines so far this season. His best showing was a 78 at the Westminster Tournament.

"The strongest part of Alex's game is the way he stays focused," said Grove City coach Chris Smith. "He's able to maintain his composure and get the job done. Plus, his short game is excellent."

The Wolverines recently finished in first place at the PAC Invitational, with Intihar shooting an 82.

The PAC Tournament will be held April 29 and 30. The Wolverines have won four conference titles, with the last coming in 2000.

"I really don't think the absence of seniors is a weakness for us," Smith said. "The way I look at it, everybody is coming back next season. So whatever we do this year, it's going to pay dividends next year, too."

"This team's got great chemistry," said Intihar. "It's just a matter of putting it all together."

A Zelienople native, Intihar is majoring in marketing and computer information systems.