Nick Turowski wraps up Penn-Trafford career with 2nd-place finish at states

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 22, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford senior Nick Turowski finished his high school career Oct. 17 with a second-place finish at the PIAA Class 3A championship.

Turowski was edged out in a three-way playoff by Butler senior Hunter Swidzinski on the third extra hole when Swidzinski sank a 15-foot birdie putt. The third player in the playoff, Plum’s Wes Lorish, was eliminated on the first playoff hole when he recorded a double bogey.

Turowski, a West Virginia commit, finished at 7-under par 137. He had a 69 on Monday and a 68 on Tuesday.

Turowski said he didn’t know if he should be upset or not after seeing the title slip from his grasp.

“I gave it my all,” Turowski said. “I just missed a couple opportunities.”

He missed a 2-foot putt for par on No. 16 and left birdie putts just short on No. 17 and on the second playoff hole.

“I’d like to have that putt back on No. 16,” Turowski said. “I was frustrated after a bogey on No. 1. I was trying for a bogey-free round. If I would have done that, I would have won.

“I also got a little nervous over a putt on No. 17. I gave it my best, and that’s all I can ask for.”

He said he purposely didn’t look at the scoreboard and didn’t know what he needed to do.

“I felt I had a chance,” Turowski said. “I didn’t know I needed a birdie on the final hole. I was going for an eagle.”

That’s what Swidzinski carded to get to 7-under par.

Turowski said he felt he put himself in a good spot after shooting a 3-under par 69 on Monday.

After the round, Turowski headed to Colyer Lake to try his luck at catching fish.

Turowski overcame a slow start on the front, which included a double bogey and a bogey, and recorded five birdies on the back nine in the first round.

Turowski ended his career as a two-time WPIAL champion.

“I definitely had a hiccup on the front nine, but I’m pleased with the way I fought back,” Turowski said.

Turowski said it was typical state championship weather — cold and windy.

Turowski said the low scores were because the course was shortened to 6,300 yards which allowed the golfers to bomb their drives and chip around the greens.

“What I did well, no matter how it was going — and it was bad early — I stayed positive,” Turowski said. “I still believed I was going to win. I feel like the Old Nick would have packed it in.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford