Penn College Golfers Seek Sixth Straight Conference Title
Published 10.03.2008
Pennsylvania College of Technology golfers have had a lock on conference team championships in which they have participated for five straight seasons. Now, their sights are set on No. 6, but coach Chet Schuman knows it won't come easy.
The Wildcats will compete Monday and Tuesday in the Penn State University Athletic Conference championships on the Penn State University Blue Course.
"In order for us to have a chance, our six players have got to play some of their best golf of the year. If we play like we did at our home course (Sept. 10 when the Wildcats put together their best team score in three years with a 301 total), we should be in fine shape," Schuman said. "If we play anything like we have the last two rounds, we won't be."
In its last two outings, the Wildcats were tied by Penn State New Kensington on Sept. 15 and then fell to Penn State New Kensington on Sept. 23 in a match that snapped Penn College's six-year win streak at 155. During the regular season, the Wildcats were 10-1-1.
"We haven't had the focus that we needed and we haven't had the right lineup. The kids should be proud that they were part of that run, but now they're ready to start a new streak," Schuman said. Looking ahead, he added, "They've got to play good. They can't be lethargic. "¦ I think our competition will come from Penn State New Kensington and Penn State Wilkes-Barre."
Competing for the Wildcats will be Doug Wagner (Huntingdon Mills), T.C. Reynolds (Muncy), Eric Schall (Jersey Shore), Craig Flint (Port Allegany), Len Nicholas (Hollywood) and Kyle Shoultes (Sellersville). Reynolds tied with now-graduated teammate Matt Winder for conference individual honors two seasons ago and Wagner placed second last year. Although six individuals will compete, only the low four scores are used in determining the team results.
Competition that covers two days has pluses and minuses, according to Schuman, but he said there is just one bottom line: "You've got to play good golf for two days, there's no doubt about it.
"It's going to be interesting. There's going to be some good golf played Monday and Tuesday."
(Complete rosters and season schedules are available on the college's Athletics Web site.)