Burgettstown leads charge to WPIAL team golf finals
Attempting to navigate the quick, sloping greens at Indian Run Golf Course can be a challenge under normal circumstances. In the chill of an October morning that also was disrupted by rain and whipping winds, it can almost be unfair.
That’s what made Burgettstown’s performance in the WPIAL Class AA Team Golf Tournament so impressive.
The Blue Devils took first place in the 10-team semifinals field Tuesday, bettering South Fayette by six strokes and Freeport by 13. Those three teams advanced to the Class AA championships Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Course.
The finals for Class AAA boys and Class AAA and Class AA girls will be held there, too.
Locally, Peters Township boys and girls teams will be competing in Class AAA.
Burgettstown’s top five scorers produced a 409 over the 5,720-yard course in Avella.
“You didn’t want to be above the hole today,” said Burgettstown head coach Ben Froats. “These greens are tough. It was cold in the morning, then it got windy and we had some rain. That didn’t help. On a couple holes – 10, 11, 12, and 13 – there were some pretty high scores.”
The secret to 346-yard No. 10 is the second shot, which often times is made without the benefit of seeing the green and with a water hazard guarding the front. It’s the No. 1 handicap hole.
No. 13 is a long par-3, 193 yards, with a narrow landing spot on the green.
“Half the field started on the back nine, and that’s not the easiest place to start,” said Froats.
Junior Cody Dobbin, an individual state qualifier last year, and senior Hunter Lecker each shot 4-over 76s but it was the play of No. 5 man, Clark Miller, that sealed the win over South Fayette. Only a freshman, Miller shot the best 18-round total of his season, 85.
“That was huge for him,” Froats said. “He finished third for us.”
Sophomore Austin Lis had an 85 and senior Ryan Latkovic carded an 89.
Senior Wes Keeling led South Fayette with a 76 and junior Alec Lacinski finished two shots back with a 78.
Evan Long of Laurel was medalist with a fine 4-under par 68 but the Spartans finished five shots from qualifying for the finals.
“Obviously, every team (in the finals) is capable,” said Froats. “South Fayette is one of them.”
Carmichaels finished ninth with a 505. Sophomore Liam Shea and junior Jacob Wamsley each shot 88.
California finished in sixth place in the semifinals held at Beaver Valley Golf Club. Josh Peters led the Trojans with an 84.
In Class AAA, Peters Township easily outdistanced second-place Central Catholic, 382-405, over the 5,510-yard Cedarbrook course.
Jake Sollon shot a 2-over 71, Ben Morgret carded a 75 and Alec Stopperich a 77.