Bobcats Have Fruitful Three Days At PIAA State Golf Championships, Conclude With Fourth Place Finish In Team Competition
Photo by Bev Lauer – Bobcats after arriving at States for Team Competition: (L-R) Lucas Mitrosky, Avery Kline, Tanner Miller, Kameron Kerle, Devon Lauer and James Keenan
The Clarion Area Bobcat Golf Team had a good showing at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Boys Class-AA State Tournament, held Monday through Wednesday, October 16th-18th, at the Penn State White Course, in State College.
Play began with the two-day Individual Tournament, with a round of 18 on both Monday and Tuesday.
Two Bobcats competed in the individual competition, Devon Lauer and Kameron Kerle.
Devon shot a 10-over, 154 (77-77), to tie Keystone’s Sean Karg (79-75) for the top finishes among area athletes. Kameron carded a 15-over, 159 (79-80).
Cranberry’s Cayden Baker (79-82) and Franklin’s Ty Prince (84-77) both came at 161, with North Clarion’s Ethan Carll carded a 167 (88-79).
Nick Werner from was the Boys Class-AA champion, recording a 6-under 138 (68-70).
Butler’s Hunter Swidinski won the Boys Class-AAA championship. North East’s Anna Swan won the Girls-AA and Rhianna Gooneratne from Plymouth Whitemarsh won the Girls-AAA.
On Wednesday, the Bobcats placed fourth in the Boys Class-AA Team Tournament. To qualify for the tournament, teams had to win their Sub-Regional Championship.
The Cats recorded a 29-over 317. Devon shot a (35-38) 73, with Kameron finishing two shots behind Devon (38-37) 75. James Keenen came in at 84 (43-41). Lucas Mitroski carded an 85 (45-40). Tanner Miller’s score of 86 (44-42) wasn’t included in the team total.
The Boys Class-A Field included: Champion – Devon Prep (301), Second Place – Bell Vernon (306), Third Place – Scranton Prep (307), Fourth Place – Clarion (317), Fifth Place – Grove City (331) and Sixth Place Tulpehocken (332).
Grove City’s Isaac Allan, son of former Clarion Area Head Football Coach Judd Allan and Jessica Allan led the Eagles, along with Trenton Nemec, with both finishing at 79.
The Hickory Girls won their third straight Class-AA championship. Peters Township won both the Boys and Girls Class-AAA crowns.
Clarion Area Assistant Coach, Jackie Kerle had high praise for the Bobcat squad. “Even though we didn’t return home with a state championship, the boys represented Clarion well. Devon and Kameron both competed individually on Monday and Tuesday and put together two solid rounds.
“I think Kameron and Devon went into the tournament with hopes of shooting scores that would place them in the top 10, but fell short of that due to a couple bad breaks.
“We are very proud of what they have accomplished this season.
“As a team our goal was to qualify to compete in the state championship. Not only did we accomplish that goal, but we also made a good run at winning the tournament. We were leading in the first half of the tournament but lost some momentum on the back 9.
“We are extremely proud of what these young men have accomplished and they should hold their heads high as this was a great experience and season.”
Bobcat parent, Rick Miller also had some great words about this team. “Undoubtedly, a successful team is one motivated by the shared core values of its members. When your team shares the same sense of purpose, they celebrate and champion each other and this creates a culture of excellence!
“What you guys have accomplished over the last 4 years is astonishing. Use what you have learned in sports and take it with you on your journey in life!
“Thank you to the coaches for all your hard work and time you put into these boys!”
(Congratulations to Devon, Kameron, James, Lucas, Tanner, and Isaac and all the golfers making it to States!!!! Thanks to Jackie Kerle, Bev Lauer and Rick Miller for their photos!!)
