Golf Program Ready for Comeback Season in 2018-2019
The PSUGA Golf program is back for the 2018-2019 season and with nine golfers on the roster, they are looking to make an immediate impact in the Penn State University Athletic Conference.
McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletics Department announced the revitalization of the Golf program in March of 2018. Now, the program is getting set for it’s first season since 2011 when it takes the course on September 6th. This year’s team features nine golfers all looking to put the PSUGA Golf program back on the map.
The last time the golf team existed at PSUGA was during the 2011-2012 academic season. That year, the team made it to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association/Penn State University Athletic Conference National Tournament where they placed 13th out of the 15 teams participating. Leading the pack on that day was former PSUGA Lion Cuyler Ranali, who shot a 91 on day one of the tournament followed by an 83 on day two.
The 2011-2012 golf team qualified for the USCAA/PSUAC National Tournament on the strength of third place or better finishes in every tournament during the regular season. However, after that season interest died out and the PSUGA Golf program took a break. It tried to make a comeback during the 2015-2016 academic year, however, it was once again unsuccessful and PSUGA remained without a golf team.
However, it is back for good in 2018-2019 with nine golfers raring to start their golf careers at PSUGA. This year’s team is headline by sophomores Matt Givler (Coatesville, PA./Coatesville) and Daivd West (Hempfield, PA./Hempfield). Givler averages a 72 on the golf course and looks to be a leader of this year’s team while West is excited to show what he can do getting out on the course.
Sophomores Kyle Williams (Temecula, CA./Chapparral HS) and Blake Flocker and freshman Ethan Hillburn, Nick Algeri, Nickolas Kazousky, and Adam Smith round out the 2018-2019 men’s roster. Taylor Coccia (Elizabeth, PA./Elizabeth Forward) is the lone woman on this year’s team. Coccia lettered all four years in golf and was named a scholar athlete during her time with the Warriors.
Leading this year’s team will be Assistant Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball coach Tyler Care. Care has been an avid golfer for most of his life and is excited to lead the revitalized golf program as it makes it’s return to campus in 2018.
The golf team starts their regular season on Thursday September 6th when they travel to University Park where they will play the White Course. The invitational is set to begin at 11 a.m.