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Seniors to lead Frazier’s young golf team
Of note
• Larry Mikesell is entering his 27th season as coach of the Frazier golf team. He is the only coach in the program's history.
• The Commodores will play in the Fayette County Youth Golf Tournament to kick off the season Friday at Duck Hollow Golf Club.
• Sewickley Academy, Shady Side Academy advance to PIAA tennis semifinals
• Thursday’s high school softball photos
• WPIAL track and field championships
• West Mifflin tops Mt. Pleasant for 1st playoff win in 15 years
By Jason Black
Published: Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 12:13 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
In 2011, the Frazier golf team had a strong season that ended with an 11-6 record. However, the Commodores narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.
“We lost three matches by a total of nine strokes,” Frazier coach Larry Mikesell said. “We could have won the section (Division II, Section 2), and we ended up coming in fifth. That's how good our section was.”
This year, Frazier will compete in Section 2-AA, which will have a different look compared to recent seasons. Bentworth and Charleroi have been moved from the section, and Mt. Pleasant and Yough have been added.
Even though the section has changed, Mikesell hopes one thing remains constant.
“We always seem to play pretty well at home and we hope that continues,” Mikesell said. “We want to have a competitive season and develop a love for the game.”
The Commodores lost two key starters — Robert Gondura and Tyler Rock — to graduation. However, Mikesell likes what he has seen from his young team that features just two seniors.
“I've had a lot of kids improve,” Mikesell said, noting that many of the players took part in a summer league at Linden Hall, Frazier's home course. “They are young, and that's refreshing because they are willing to work at it.”
Leading the mostly youthful group are seniors Andrea Lash and Josh Olbrys. Both are expected to be regular top-five competitors for the Commodores.
For Olbrys, a successful season is the focus.
“Hopefully we'll have a good year and play well as a team,” Olbrys said. “I think we can do that. Everybody just has to keep their head down and concentrate on hitting the ball.”
In addition to Olbrys and Lash, other players returning with a good amount of varsity experience include juniors Hunter Clay and J.J. Roebuck as well as sophomore Josh Miller. With a roster that will feature at least 12 players, the Commodores have depth, as well.
“They like the game, and they play it with honor,” Mikesell said.
Mikesell, who is appreciative of the support his team receives from the school administration as well as Linden Hall, is excited to see how his team fares in 2012. More importantly, he is thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance their appreciation of the game.
“We teach golf as a life sport,” Mikesell said. “They can play it all their life. It's a great leisure time activity.”
Jason Black is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at jblack@tribweb.com or 724-626-3534.
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