BRADFORD, Pa. - With the loss of four of the top six golfers from last year's team, this season will prove challenging to the Pitt-Bradford men's golf coaching staff, as well as the team.
The Panthers will be building on last year's success and vying for another top finish in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship. The second place finish last year was the squad's highest finish since winning the championship in 2002. With a total of only three golfers returning from last year's team, Pitt-Bradford will rely heavily on junior Zach Spicer and sophomore Alex Hunter.
Spicer brings a wealth of experience to the team, although only a member for one year. He transferred from Ferrum University prior to the start of last year and began the season a bit slowly. He gained valuable playing time and proved to be an integral part in the team's second place finish last fall at the AMCC Championships.
Given his strong practice habits and work ethic, head coach Keith Stauffer will rely heavily on Zach to influence the younger golfers to improve their games in order to compete at the college level. In addition, Stauffer, who enters his 13th season at the helm, looks for Zach to be a top contender in the AMCC. "If Zach progresses as he should, I am confident he will grab an individual title sometime throughout the year," said Stauffer.
Hunter, on the other hand, will be a true sophomore. He participated in many tournaments last year and was pivotal in the Panthers' success at AMCC's. "There is no golfer with better mechanics and fundamentals than Alex", Stauffer remarked. "He works very hard on his game. If he is committed to bettering his mental approach, he will be a strong contender in the AMCC this year."
Lucas Muye will return to the team this fall. Muye did not participate in any tournaments last year, but is excited to be on the team once again.
The Panthers will also enlist the efforts of sophomore John Bedford (Kane, PA). Bedford sat out last year but will be a top contender for a starting spot on this year's team. He is an avid golfer from the local area whom Stauffer is excited to work with this year.
Three newcomers arrive on campus with high school experience: Mitchell Gilmore (Ridgway, PA), Brett Gardner (Curwensville, PA) and Shayne Kraynyk (Sewickley, PA). "They will have a good opportunity to showcase their skills and crack the starting lineup," said Stauffer when asked what to expect from the trio.
Pitt-Bradford will tee it up for the UPB Invitational on March 30th to get the season underway. The event will be held at Pine Acres Country Club in Bradford, Pa., with a shotgun start beginning at 1 p.m.
