SSA boys golfers aim to return to playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 18, 2017 | 6:00 PM

The Shady Side Academy boys golf team, coached by Mark Hessler and assisted by Kyle Smith, has gotten off to a quick start this season.

Coming off of a season where the Indians reached the WPIAL semifinals and sent two golfers, Jas Fuhrer and Brice Delaney, to the WPIAL individual championships, the Indians have won their first eight matches.

They have a younger team this year, but there are several key returning golfers, including Fuhrer, a junior, and Delaney, a sophomore. Seniors Frankie Fuhrer IV and Patrick Ellis also return.

The team has been bolstered by several new additions — junior Nick Sawicki, sophomore Patrick Walsh and freshmen Adam Lauer and Charles Troutman.

“One of the strengths of our team is that these guys all know each other from playing in summer tournaments and as members of the same clubs in the area,” Smith said.

The Indians again are competing in Section 8-AAA.

“The top competition in the section is Hampton, which has won the section the past two years, and Mars,” Smith said. “Our goals for the year are to win the section title and make a deep run in the WPIAL team playoffs. As always in AAA, Fox Chapel, Central Catholic and Peters Township will field strong teams.”

The Indians picked up a big win against Hampton on Sept. 6, 190-198. Top golfers for SSA so far are Lauer (37.2), Frank Fuhrer IV (39.0) and Jas Fuhrer (39.8).

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy