BUFFALO TWP — Freeport golf and winning go hand in hand.

Since coach Dave Panach revived the program in 1990, the Yellowjackets haven't felt the sting of a losing campaign.

That includes this season, as Freeport chases its ninth section title in 20 seasons. The Yellowjackets are currently 10-0 in the WPIAL's Division II, Section 1 and 14-0 overall.

Freeport defeated second-place Ford City 218-222 on Sept. 8 at Buffalo Golf Course. To date, it is the Sabers' lone loss this season.

The two teams meet again Thursday at Lenape Heights.

"We've always talked about winning a section title before we leave," said senior Blaine Smith. "We want to get it done."

Panach, 59, has seen just about every type of golfer come and go over the years at Freeport.

"The key is making the kids believe that they're better than what they think they are," said Panach. "It's all about confidence and you need leadership, too. Some may not think about that when it comes to golf."

Panach should know.

He has coached the squad to an overall record of 302-68 and a winning percentage of 83 percent (215-44) in section play.

The Yellowjackets previously won section titles in 1992-95, 1998-99, 2004 and 2006 with a combined record of 100-6 and have never placed worse than third in their section on Panach's watch.

"I've had a lot of help over the years from my assistants, Jim Fair, and Ken Waldron, who owns Buffalo Golf Course," the coach said.

Freeport's original golf program folded in the early 1970s. Nearly two decades later, Panach revived the sport at the school.

"I never thought that I'd be here for 20 seasons," he said. "I just took it year to year."

Before this season, Freeport's players learned that their coach was just 12 wins shy of 300 for his career.

"We talked about it, not necessarily going undefeated, but we knew we had to get those 12 wins for coach," said senior Zack McQueen.

Panach notched his 300th win when his team defeated Burrell 207-215 Sept. 22.

The players wanted to see their coach reach the milestone, but their motive dealt with something much deeper than golf.

Just weeks after he retired as an art teacher at Freeport High, Panach was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the white blood cells, in July 2008.

"I was pretty down when he told us about it, I was shocked," said senior Tyler Pajerski.

Panach received several treatments last fall, including chemotherapy, but remained with the team.

"That was a high point each day for me, knowing I was going to see the kids and the other coaches on the course," he said.

"The players knew I was ill and weren't sure if I was coming back for this season," Panach added. "They asked me if I could, would I come back for one more season and I said I would. That gave me incentive because I like to keep my word."

"Coach has always been there to help us out and it would have been too hard if he wasn't here for our senior season," said Pajerski.

Panach responded well to the treatments, which are on hold for now.

"I feel pretty good," he said. "But it gives you a different outlook on life, that's for sure."

Panach is used to seeing his team win on the golf course, but the 2009 season has been a bit more special.

"The kids said they wanted to get to 300 for me and that's very humbling," said Panach. "This season will be it for me, I don't want to be Brett Favre."

FREEPORT GOLFERS

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The 2009 high school golf season will be the last for longtime Freeport coach Dave Panach. As usual, the Yellowjackets are in the thick of a section title race with a 10-0 record:

SeniorsZack McQueen, Blaine Smith, Neal Decroo, Tyler Pajerski, Dane Bargerstock, Matt Hall, Nick Venturino, Doug Gaworski, Joe Lawecki

JuniorsDevin Earney, Pat D'Amico

SophomoresJosh Luchesa

FreshmenRobbie Miller, Richard Vandruff