St. Joe’s Looks to Defend Golf Title

The St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy boys’ golf team lost just one match in 2017, then went on to win the District 6 AA championship, the sub-regional matchup against Rockwood and ended the season as the third best AA team in the state.

With the team returning the top four players from last year — seniors Jack Mangene, Matt Steyers, RJ Marsh and Ryan Peachey — as well as senior Jason Thomas and sophomore Nathan Cross, second-year head coach Chad Walsh has big expectations again in 2018.

“We have tons of experience on the roster, along with some exciting newcomers. The seniors are outstanding leaders, willing to give their time and effort in helping younger players learn more about the game and life as student-athletes,” said Walsh. “The team has found the ability to strike a balance between working toward their goals, building skills and having fun. It should spell success, and help to leave a lasting legacy on the program.”

The team will be without graduated seniors Adam Kurtz and Nick DeCarmine, both of whom spent most of the season in the team’s top six players. Kurtz played in the state tournament.

Fortunately for the Wolves, Walsh sees few weaknesses in his team; however, he said the team will need to find consistency after the top four.

“And, our top golfers must focus on the task at hand,” he said, “refusing to rest on their laurels.”

Walsh said the student-athletes and the coaching staff expect to win the district and compete for a state title again.

“The team has worked incredibly hard in the offseason, their scores are outstanding and they are all of the same mindset — constant improvement toward their championship aspirations,” he said.

Walsh said as a coach and athletic director, he expects the athletes to represent the athletic department, families, school and community in all aspects of their lives.

“I expect them to work as a team, help their teammates and embody our four pillars of faith, scholarship, leadership and service,” Walsh said. “I expect them to stay loose and have fun. If they can do all of these things, winning golf matches will take care of itself.

“They are truly some of the best all-around young people that I have been around,” he continued, “and I’m looking forward to enjoying this journey with them this year.”

The Wolves started the season winning the AA division at the Happy Valley Invitational and took fourth at the Sinking Valley Invitational in Altoona. Next up St. Joe’s faces Sugar Valley on Tuesday at Mountain View Country Club.