The Shaler Area Boys Golf team posted a 6-5 record while also going 5-5 in section play. Matthew Stelitano was the only player that qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the Titans.
This season included a new varsity roster and a new head coach for the Titans. Mr. Blake Schaub took over as head coach of the Titans this year. This left a lot of uncertainty amongst the inexperienced group, but the Titans quickly gelled throughout the season.
“I was pleased with how the season played out. I was under the impression coming in that it was going to be a tough season since only Matt Stelitano had ever played Varsity. The guys really stepped up and played well in just about every match,’’ Mr. Schaub said.
Senior Cyrus Engel and juniors Nick Perez, Richie O’Brien, and Joel Searock joined Stelitano in their first year playing varsity golf. Although there were a lot of fresh faces among the group, it didn’t take long for them to come together as a team.
“It was very cool to have such a tight knit group of guys not only on the course, but also off the course. From rounds, practices, and even hanging out off of the course, we made so many memories that we’ll never forget,” Stelitano said.
But the season did have its ups and downs. The young group struggled against Fox Chapel where they ultimately fell to their rivals 225-197. Stelitano credited this round as a huge motivator for the rest of the season. The Titans then answered back with multiple impressive rounds.
“What I preached to the guys all season long was that once you hit a shot, good or bad, the next one doesn’t care. You just have to be a goldfish and forget bad shots or else that negative headspace will follow you to the next shot,” Mr. Schaub said.
Stelitano has adapted this philosophy, and he took on the rule as a leader amongst the group.
“(Stelitano) was so consistent in his play this year that it really allowed the other guys to feel comfortable and just play golf. Matt started the season as our #1, and he played in that spot in every match. That brought with it a lot of pressure, and he handled it exceptionally well. That took a lot of pressure off of our young guys to not feel like they had to play above their ability in order for us to score well,” Mr. Schaub said.
Stelitano was the only Titan to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs at Willowbrook Golf Course. Stelitano was 2 over par with two holes left to play. Stelitano double bogeyed the final two holes of his match to take him to 6 over par, missing the cut line of 5 over par.
“Qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs was very exciting for me. Even though it didn’t end how I had hoped, qualifying for the first time my senior year was really special,” Stelitano said.
