How North Catholic boys golf rallied to win WPIAL Class 2A team championship
Ryan Parrish knew what the North Catholic boys golf team was capable of this season. Seeing the Trojans actually achieve it proved to be a sweet dose of affirmation.
In his first year as the team’s head coach, Parrish waited as his golfers completed 18 holes in the WPIAL Class 2A team championship at Cedarbrook Gold Golf Course near Belle Vernon last Thursday.
The result was a district crown, North’s second in four years. Led by Chris Faber’s 79, the Trojans tallied 419 strokes to top five other teams, including by one stroke over Greensburg Central Catholic’s 420.
Also scoring for the Trojans was Dylan Murray (81), Eric Proie (83), Ben Kandravy (87) and Luke Lamb (89). Colin Glass added a 93.
“We golfed the back nine first and it was rough to say the least,” said Parrish of his team’s 216 before the turn. “I told the guys that all the teams were struggling and we were going to make a comeback.”
North’s top five golfers improved by a combined 13 strokes over the final nine holes.
“Chris had a big turnaround and Eric had a clutch putt on the final hole,” Parrish said. “I was around almost all of these guys last year as the junior varsity coach. I knew it was a special group and that we could do some damage this year.”
North’s varsity roster includes nine golfers, including Drew Palmer, John Pontello and Ellis Rae, and each player has had a hand in the team’s success.
“All nine guys have been in the top five in matches at some point during the season,” Parrish said. “(Kandravy) had our best nine-hole average this year with a 37, but all the guys pushed each other the entire season. Multiple kids were gunning for the final (fifth) spot during matches.”
North won Section 9-2A with an 8-2 record before emerging with the best score at a nine-team district semifinal at the Links at Spring Church Oct. 8. Now the Trojans are preparing to compete in the state tournament, scheduled Oct. 23 at Penn State University’s Blue Course.
“Winning the WPIAL is such a big achievement, but I can’t say we are satisfied,” Parrish said. “There’s a lot of good teams from the eastern part of the state, but all it takes is one good day.”
