PT boys golf wins 7th WPIAL team title
Peters Township has won seven WPIAL team titles in boys golf, but the 2023 Class AAA championship ranks at the top.
“This one is probably the most sweet,” said David Kuhn, who has been the Indians’ coach for six of those trophies.
In fact, the Indians have been to the WPIAL finals for 20 out of 21 seasons under Kuhn, missing the one by one shot.
“It’s a blessing and a curse,” he said.
“We’ve been here with teams never expected to win it, just trying to place and do well and we’ve been here with teams expected to win it and didn’t.”
In 2022, the Indians didn’t win, finishing runner-up to Central Catholic by two strokes.
In 2023, the Indians left no room for doubt. They were the champions by seven strokes over runner-up Butler, 371-378. Fox Chapel finished third with a 381 score followed by North Allegheny (390) in fourth. South Fayette followed in fifth place at 398.
“This one is special,” Kuhn said.
“This one has been our longest drought ever,” Kuhn added.
The Indians last won the WPIAL team championship in 2015. They also won in 2014, 2010, 2008, 2004 and 1981.
“When you do it the first time, you think this is not hard. When you do it again, you think, OK, that was fun. When you do it yet again, you think maybe we will keep doing this but when you get humbled, and that’s life, you have to dig deep,” Kuhn said. “You have to trust what you are doing, stick with it and you will get back there.”
The Indians returned to the finals determined. Last year, they were an inexperienced club, flush with sophomores, but they roared to an 18-0 record. This year, with all juniors in their starting lineup, they posted an identical undefeated record.
“But, the result is different,” said Kuhn.
“There was pressure on us. People know who we are but we try to stay true to who we are and what we do. This year, we really bought in. We really prepared mentally, physically and strategically and that enabled us to make big gains.
“We had faith. We are a family and we stuck together,” Kuhn added. “What helps is to have great players and families that support you, but we truly were a team.”
Colton Lusk led the Indians. The junior fired a 1-under on the par-72 Gold Course at Cedarbrook Golf Club in Belle Vernon.
“Colton is who we think he is,” Kuhn said. “We couldn’t ask for a more mature, hard-working kid. He handles himself the right way. He deserves every accolade he gets. He is a coach’s dream.”
Griffin Hansberry produced a 72 while Ryan Watterson and Shane Williams both carded 75s for the Indians. Nick Haught chipped in with a 78 and Ben Miller totaled a 79.
“Griffin showed resiliency. Ryan worked really hard, too, coming back from last year’s injury. Nick has shown tremendous growth with his mindset and ability to hang in there. Ben may not have had his best stuff but he’s a very good player as well.
“It’s a great group that feeds off one another. It’s a testament to these guys that when you had to throw out a score, we still would have won. I am super proud of this group.”
Kuhn is equally pleased with his coaching staff. Joe DiPardo serves as an assistant and JV coach. Brian Farrell is also an assistant as well as the strength and conditioning coach. Jeff Chastel, a former PT player and NCAA championship participant, served as the advisor for the WPIAL finals.
“I might have helped build the car but Jeff drove it home,” Kuhn said. “I cannot say enough about my staff.
“I’m super proud of all my guys. We wanted to be the best team and today we were.”
Notes
Sam Bishop earned runner-up medalist honors during the Class AAA championships. The South Fayette sophomore carded a 68, one stroke behind medalist Hunter Swidzinski from Butler.