Pine-Richland boys golf shooting up the ranks after 10-0 start

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 3:27 PM

Behind an experienced group of veteran leaders, the Pine-Richland boys golf team is tearing its way through its WPIAL Section 3-AAA schedule this season.

With more than half of their schedule behind them, the Rams have bested each of their foes, accruing a 10-0 overall record and a 8-0 mark in section play.

Coach Jeff Seybert and his team are looking to sustain their success. Leadership shouldn’t be a problem with seven seniors, according to Seybert. They don’t lack for motivation, either. In the long run, the team’s goal is to golf their way to winning trophies.

“It’s nice to have an older group to rely on, to be there for each other,” Seybert said.

“These kids, they’re focused. They have a goal. We finished third in the WPIAL last year, and they want to try to be better than that this year. They want to try and, as they say, get a ring. Hopefully, that will happen if the chips fall right and we play well.”

This season, the senior-laden Rams have been led by junior Donnie Professori. The 2017 PIAA championship qualifier is pacing his team with a 35.7 stroke average.

Right behind Professori, seniors Cade Zolkos, Jack Wymard, Ricco Sciulli and Nick Casario have each been performing at a high level as some of the team’s top golfers. Each of the elder statesmen of the group have taken a starring turn and come through for their teammates.

“Donnie is playing pretty well and a couple of the other guys have just been playing well all season for us, too,” Seybert said.

“At least one of them has been the low man for us back and forth from each match. They’re all very close. They’re close within stroke average, too. With Donny, it’s a 35.7 and the other guys are all from 36.9 to 38.1, give or take.”

Two other seniors in the Pine-Richland lineup who have seen major time on the course are John Stasko and Jake Maley. In addition to that duo, sophomore Nick Piper has played his way into the mix.

Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.

Tags: Pine-Richland