Golf 5th at PSUAC championships
The Penn State Fayette Golf team concluded its 2021 campaign as it competed at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Golf championships Monday through Wednesday at Penn State University.
James Zakrzwski (Greensburg Central Catholic) took 10th place individually in the PSUAC tournament to lead the way while the team finished fifth in the PSUAC.
"This is the first time any of our golfers had competed in a national championship, and there were some nerves out there, that is for sure," said first-year head coach Freddie Harrison, Jr.
The first round started on Monday with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start.
"A few players started out strong and a couple of them had a rocky start," said Harrison, Jr. "I would say our shining star on (the first day) was Nate Moody. He grinded all day long."
Moody (Uniontown, PA/Uniontown HS) scored a round of 89.
Harrison, Jr. also pointed out Nikolas Gibson.
"(Gibson) didn't have his best game over the weekend but never gave up," Harrison said. Golf isn't his only sport; he also is a member of the baseball team. Golf is hard enough in itself, let alone trying to go from hitting a baseball then hitting a golf ball. Your body is moving in different ways, so I am proud and thankful for having him on our team."
Harrison spoke next about Nicholas Sinal.
"(Sinal) has continued to improve all year and this competition was no different," he said. "He had his best rounds of the year with a 91 in round one and a 91 in round two. There is no doubt that he will continue to work on his game and be back stronger next year."
Harrison, Jr. also spoke about Dylan Pawlak and Zakrzwski.
(Pawlak) didn't have his best round on (the first day) but came back on (the second day) firing an 85," Harrison, Jr. said. "He was dropping some puts (on the second day). The highlight of the weekend was when James received 10th place individually in the PSUAC national championship. We finished 5th as a team within the PSUAC."
Harrison, Jr. said that he noticed something at the post-outing ceremony that already has his team motivated.
"As our team watched Penn State Hazelton get the team trophy, I could tell that is something that they want," he said. "We have not won a PSUAC championship in golf, but I know this team will put in the work during the off season to be back and compete for that championship."
For more on the golf team, go to https://www.psfathletics.com/sports/golf/index.
