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PT’s Kuhn named National Coach of Year

By Eleanor Bailey 5 min read
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Peters Township boys golf coach was named a national Coach of the Yer by the NFHS.
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Peters Township boys golf coach was named a national Coach of the Yer by the NFHS.

David Kuhn’s cell phone rang. The Peters Township boys golf coach glanced at the screen as it flashed Bob Lombardi’s name as the incoming caller.

Lombardi was not on the line as the PIAA executive director, but rather as the president of the National Federation of High School Associations. He had astounding news.

Kuhn had been selected as a National Coach of the Year. The NFHS picked 24 coaches from across the country for distinction.

“When Bob called, I thought it was going to be about the meeting we just had with the golf steering committee. To talk about some of the votes and discussions we just had,” Kuhn said. “So it was quite a surprise. You never ever see something like this coming your way.”

Brian Geyer, however, did. The Peters Township athletic director initiated the nomination process, which had to come from someone within the winner’s own organization or through the PIAA. Kuhn previously was recognized at the state level, allowing him to advance to the national level. The NFHS divides the nation into eight sectionals and Kuhn was recognized as the Section 2 COTY, making him a finalist for the national recognition.

“David has the qualifications,” said Geyer. “He has created an outstanding program by putting the time and effort into it. He does things the right way. He has done an excellent job and has been instrumental in building a program that is respected and that other teams try to emulate.”

Since his arrival on campus as a psychology and leadership teacher in 2000, Kuhn has constructed a dynasty at Peters Township. He has a 416-43 record and has guided the Indians to more than 60 victories in multiple-team events. In addition to his teams setting many course and team records, more than 30 golfers have gone on to play at the collegiate level.

During 2023-24, for which he earned the distinction, Kuhn coached the Indians to the 2023 WPIAL and PIAA state championship. Peters Township has finished as PIAA runner-up three times and won six of its seven district titles under Kuhn.

In the fall of 2024, the Indians produced a 16-0 record during the regular season, the seventh perfect season under Kuhn. Additionally, Peters Township had the WPIAL individual champion in Colton Lusk, who went on to finish fifth in the state competition.

“We won a state title but the genesis of the award and selection is based on the body of work you have done in your career,” Kuhn said. “I am extremely fortunate to have my name on that plaque but there have been a lot of people who have supported and lifted me up to this point.”

Kuhn’s personal success starts with his family. He and his wife, Barb, reared two successful children, Synclaire, 26, and Karsyn, 24. Synclaire golfed at Peters Township and St. Francis University before becoming a PA while Karsyn was a dancer and member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans before becoming a nurse.

“My wife and daughters are most important to me,” Kuhn said. “There are also a lot of people in the (Peters Township) administration that mean a lot to me.”

Kuhn mentioned starting his career when Joe Maize was the athletic director at Peters Township.

“Joe saw my vision,” Kuhn said. “I am forever grateful to him and thankful to have worked with him. Brian has also been so supportive of me and what I do. It’s a win-win and allows us to be successful.

My (coaching) staff at Petes Township and all the people who work with me have also helped me achieve. I have been surrounded by great people who have all been engaged in my success and that’s what this award is about. It’s a validation of a lot of years of work and help from a lot of people.”

In addition to the golf team, Kuhn oversees a large junior golf program in the area. He is currently spearheading a project to develop an on-campus golf practice facility that will include a driving range, practice greens and sand traps. The facility is projected to open in the spring. In addition to practices, Kuhn hopes to offer clinics and introduce the sport to the masses.

“I am proud of what we have done here at Peters Township and we plan to continue producing championship-caliber teams and players,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn acknowledges the award is a victory for the area.

“This definitely ranks up there. Any time something with the word national attached to it is a big deal,” he said. “There are a lot of great coaches and programs in our district and state. These things don’t happen all the time, particularly since our district is extremely tough from year to year. So when it happens you embrace it for everyone.”

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