On Oct. 23, the boy’s golf team traveled just two miles down the road to the Penn State Golf Courses for the PIAA Golf State Championship. The team of Luke McGraw, Chris Warner, Jacky Sun, Brady Wager and Devin Farahani took 3rd place at the White Course, improving from a 4th place finish the previous year.
A three-team battle for the majority of the championship, the boys ended with a score of +3, 291, trailing silver medalists South Fayette (+2, 290) by just 1 point and not far behind champions North Allegheny (-2, 286).
To come up only five shots away from the title was disappointing but an impressive result nonetheless. Coach Greg Wilson was happy with it, noting the effort put in by all players.
“They played awesome. It was a tough one to watch and to see the kids work so hard and come up a little short, but a great year,” Wilson said.
Junior Brady Wager agreed with Wilson. “I thought we played hard. I thought we fought. A lot of ups and downs, but I think everyone played some solid golf,” Wager said.
The team’s number one on the day and consistently throughout the season was sophomore Luke McGraw. He tied for 19th individually with a score of -2, 70. McGraw reflected on his performance, unsatisfied but accepting.
“I think I played alright. I had some good parts and some bad parts. But, unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough, but at the end of the day, it’s alright. Everyone played well and that’s all that we can ask for,” McGraw said.
McGraw has been a key component of the team‘s success throughout the season. Although his state result didn’t live up to his expectations, much can be celebrated from his second year on the team. Wilson spoke highly of McGraw.
“He’s a natural leader just with his play. He doesn’t have to be vocal. He goes out and proves it every single match,” Wilson said. “He’s league scoring leader. Played number one district champion. Sectional, great play. And regional champion. What more could you ask for a kid? He’s only a sophomore.”
The more unexpected result of the championship was number two scorer, senior Devin Farahani. A new State College resident, his score of -1, 71 was instrumental in giving the Little Lions the edge above fourth-place team Abington Heights (+6, 294).
Farahani wasn’t an obvious choice for the playoff roster. Sophomores Luke Ladrido, Charlie Ladrido, and Lyle Rioux narrowly missed a spot on the team. Farahani’s rounds in the postseason indicated potential. McGraw expressed pride for his teammates’ progress.
“It’s pretty crazy to see how far he’s come from the start of the year till now. He’s put in a lot of work and everything has really paid off for him, so I’m so glad he could play really well today,” McGraw said.
Finishing off the scoring for the team were sophomore Jacky Sun and junior Brady Wager, both shooting +3, 75. Senior Chris Warner’s score of +4, 76 was not counted.
The team is already looking towards the future. With only five seniors graduating and a full cast of underclassmen ready to move up the ranks, the team is aiming to use what was learned at the championship to improve their placement.
“I think everyone can say, yeah, they had a shot here or there which could have been better and that would have helped us win a state championship. So I think everyone’s just got to work on their weaknesses and I think we’re looking good for next year,” McGraw said.
The boy’s golf team will return to the green next August.
Correction: Original article incorrectly stated that the team was “five points away from the title” instead of five shots. Additionally, the article stated that there were three graduating seniors, instead of five. The title also incorrectly stated the team placed fourth, instead of third. Article has been updated to reflect these changes.
