Rockets hope to roll to 3rd region crown

By Derek Pyda Eagle Staff Writer

August 21, 2010 Last Updated: August 25, 2010 12:00 PM High School

Junior Marissa DeCola and the rest of the Butler High girls golf team will work hard to repeat last season's success

The odds might seem to be against the Slippery Rock High boys golf team winning a third straight region title.

But veteran coach Merle Whitmer just might have the players to get it done.

The Rockets have claimed the last two District 10, Region 2 championships. The squad returns six lettermen, led by senior Brian Giesler, who was named a first-team All-Region pick in 2009.

That honor also went to Brett Rinker, now a sophomore, and junior Alex Sparn was named to the region's second team.

Seniors Gus McDowell and Luke Taylor, and junior Alec Nebel round out the returning experience.

The upperclassmen have gained confidence with the team's recent success.

"Confidence plays a big part in it, but the kids also know that a lot can happen in golf," said Whitmer. "We still need to step up."

Sophomores Bob Paczkowski and Levi Leonberg will help solidify Slippery Rock's varsity ranks.

The Rockets got off to a good start to 2010, winning the Mercer County Tee-Off Tournament at Pine Grove Golf Course Thursday.

Following are preview capsules for the 14 Butler County area high school golf teams.

Coach: Dave Sherman, ninth seasonLast year's finish: The Falcons placed second in the KSAC behind Redbank ValleyHome course: Foxburg Country ClubTop returning players: seniors Logan Wetzel, Blayne McGuirk, Allan Eaton, Joe Callender and C.J. Adams and sophomore Ryan BartleyIn the mix: sophomore Landon DeLisioSherman says: "Redbank is the team to beat; they have everybody back. We do get them at home, so that is an advantage for us."

(boys)Coach: John Aubrey Jr., first seasonLast year's finish: Butler went 10-7 overall, 9-5 in section playHome course: Butler Country ClubTop returning players: junior Corey MorabitoIn the mix: seniors Jeremy Gohn and David Paterno; junior Philip Schultz and sophomore Gino BaroffioAubrey says: "I want to teach the kids the game. A lot of them had never played before coming out for the team this season."(girls)Coach: Sarah Parker, fifth seasonLast year's finish: The Golden Tornado lost just two matchesHome course: Hiland Golf CourseTop returning players: juniors Marissa DeCola and Rebecca Shakley, and sophomore Tori HesidenceIn the mix: senior Meredith Harbison; juniors Kelsey Schneider, Lauren Weiland, Addy Nanni and Monica Caparosa; sophomores Eva Kernic and Ava BonettiParker says: "I have lofty goals for this team. We're hoping to win the section and send a few players to states."

Coach: Joe Sprumont, first seasonLast year's finish: The Yellowjackets won their section and went 16-1 overallHome course: Buffalo Golf CourseTop returning players: seniors Devin Earney, Pat D'Amico, Tyler Thomas, Jake Hohn; juniors Josh Luchesa and Cody Lee; sophomores Robbie Miller and Rich VandruffSprumont says: "My goal for the team is to just improve a little every day."

Coach: Pat Forese, 11th seasonLast year's finish: The Eagles were second in their region behind Slippery Rock.Home course: Grove City Country ClubTop returning players: seniors Ryan Prokay, Jordan Orlowski, Alex Miklos, Jason Revesz and Jeff ReveszIn the mix: freshman Matt GordonForese says: "With Ryan leading the way, it's just a matter of the other guys shooting what they're capable of. If they can do that, we should be OK."

Coach: Pat Preston, 10th seasonLast year's finish: The Gremlins finished 2-8Home course: St. Jude Golf ClubTop returning players: juniors Tucker Preston, Zach Walker, Josh Jones, Trevor Beham, Tanner Kerschbaumer, Cameron LinglerIn the mix: junior Kaden Young and freshmen Mike Riley, Brad Bowser and Casey RodgersPreston says: "Our goal is to get to .500. It's a pretty competitive group of kids."

Coach: Kevin Zitzman, first seasonLast year's finish: The Knights placed third in the sectionHome course: Saxon Golf CourseTop returning players: seniors Matt Eshelman and Jared Hennig; junior Jack Boros and sophomore Stefan CarlssonIn the mix: junior Chad Tudor and sophomore Austin DuffyZitzman says: "The talent level is pretty high. I think we can finish first or second in the section."

(boys)Coach: Tim Tyler, ninth seasonLast year's finish: The Planets won the first section title in program history with an overall record of 14-3Home course: Rittswood Golf CourseTop returning players: seniors Christian Locher and Billy BenderIn the mix: seniors Brandon Eckstein, Cameron Ozarski and Hunter Sacchini; sophomore Alex Locher and freshmen Ben Mullins and Josh BartleyTyler says: "Our goal now is to make the playoffs every year."(girls)Coach: Bill Pettigrew, seventh seasonLast year's finish: The Planets were fourth in their sectionHome course: Rittswood Golf CourseTop returning players: senior Kendall Gillan, junior Alexa Glew and sophomores Olivia Laughlin and Alexa TitchenIn the mix: junior Laura Pappas and freshmen Michaela Mosier, Kristen Kuniah, Avery Snyder, Lauren Schater and Valerie CesarePettigrew says: "It should be very competitive between the girls this year and I think we can improve our standing."

Coach: Sean Morrow, second seasonLast year's finish: The Warriors went 7-3Home course: Shamrock Golf CourseTop returning players: seniors Mitch Hunter, Heath Lominski, Austin Meales and Justin McNieshMorrow says: "We're bringing up some younger talent. We'd still like to have a winning season."

(boys)Coach: Steve Mayes, 22nd seasonLast year's finish: The Raiders tied North Allegheny for the section crownHome course: Cranberry HighlandsTop returning players: seniors Mike McNulty and Tim MartinMayes says: "We have a lot of young golfers. It's going to come down to how they are able to adjust to the courses and playing against varsity competition."(girls)Coach: Lynn Wagner, 11th seasonLast year's finish: SV went 9-5Home course: Connoquenessing Country ClubTop returning players: seniors Jenn Suder, Paige Wojdyla, Stephanie Bullis and Catherine Bellich and junior Jaelyn ArringtonIn the mix: freshman Alex SteighnerWagner says: "We had a team about 10 years ago that would be comparable to this year's. We're pretty well positioned to compete with the better teams in the section."

Coach: Merle Whitmer, 26th seasonLast year's finish: The Rockets won a region title for the second straight seasonHome course: Oakview Golf ClubTop returning players: seniors Brian Giesler, Gus McDowell and Luke Taylor; juniors Alex Sparn and Alec Nebel and sophomore Brett RinkerIn the mix: sophomores Bob Paczkowski and Levi LeonbergWhitmer says: "Our goal is to win the region again, but it won't be easy. Grove City returns a lot and our region dropped Lakeview and picked up West Middlesex, which is supposed to be pretty good."

Coach: Jeff Hepler, second seasonLast year's finish: The Golden Knights were 2-10Home course: Clarion OaksTop returning players: seniors Shawn Burns, Dave Graham, Derek Shirey; junior Larissa Roberts and sophomore Derek PriesterHepler says: "We're really inexperienced this year. My goal is to have us improve every day."