Fayette Scholastic Open notes
WPIAL golf season gets started this afternoon There’s no rest for the weary because the nine teams that played in Monday’s Fayette County Scholastic Open, along with the area’s other six teams, begin the WPIAL schedule this afternoon.
Traditionally the final match of the rotation, Laurel Highlands hosts Uniontown today at noon at Duck Hollow Golf Club.
“It will be real close,” said first-year Laurel Highlands coach Mike Smith of the Uniontown match. “(Playing the big match) gets the pressure out of the way, especially for the kids.”
As for any momentum of winning the county team title, Smith said, “Momentum doesn’t matter when it’s Uniontown and Laurel Highlands. (Winning the team title) is definitely a confidence builder, for me and for the team.”
“I’m glad we get right into it,” said Laurel Highlands’ Fred David. “I’m looking forward to my senior year.”
“I wish we were playing them the last match. That would the final match of my senior year,” said Uniontown’s Seth Rockwell.
The WPIAL jumbled up the sections from last year. In Division I, Section 2, Brownsville and Waynesburg Central were dropped, and Ringgold and Southmoreland were added to the schedule along with Albert Gallatin, Belle Vernon, Connellsville, Laurel Highlands, Mount Pleasant and Uniontown.
Connellsville opens at Timber Ridge Golf Course against Southmoreland, Albert Gallatin heads to Cedarbrook to face Ringgold and Belle Vernon heads to Norvelt to play Matt Gross’ Mount Pleasant Vikings.
Geibel Catholic moves into Division II, Section 2 from Section 8 while Waynesburg Central, Brownsville and Beth-Center (from Division II, Section 2) move into Section 8.
The Gators host Charleroi at Pleasant Valley Country Club while Frazier travels to Mt. Odin to play Greensburg Central Catholic.
Division II, Section 8 has a full slate with Waynesburg Central hosting Brownsville, Beth-Center playing California at Carmichaels Golf Club, and Jefferson-Morgan playing host to Mapletown. Carmichaels has an open date.
YOUNG GUN: Belle Vernon freshman Tyber Lustig, whose father is in his first year as the Leopards’ coach, made the most of his first county championship by earning all-County honors with a 79.
“I made a few bogeys I shouldn’t have. Otherwise, I played well,” said Lustig. “Putting is my strength, but I had some 3-putts today. My first putt (on the green) was horrible. I had a tough time reading the greens.”
The county championship allowed Lustig an opportunity to get to know Duck Hollow Golf Club, home course for Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown, as well as the golfers from Division I, Section 2.
“I got a feel for the section (today). I hope (the team) will improve this year,” said Lustig.
TOP FINISHES: Six of the nine schools had at least one player earn all-County honors. Brett DiDominic had the low score for Albert Gallatin with an 11-over 83. Southmoreland’s Nate Hoburn and Geibel Catholic’s Edward Spotts were a shot behind to lead their respective squads.