[ot-caption title=”The Pine Crest golf team and coaches stand together after the boys’ team placed 2nd at the Biltmore Tournament. (via Coach Nitowski)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10562728_597240123718027_5730852365288267223_o.jpg”]

This year’s golf teams are off to a great start. Having only played a few matches, both the boys and girls’ teams have already showcased their talent with an early season winning streak. Both teams rely on hard work, dedication, and good sportsmanship to carry them through the season, which should pay dividends for them as the season wears on. At Pine Crest, golf is another sport that features the boys and girls teams competing simultaneously in the same season.

Rhea Kumar, a freshman on the girls’ golf team, is very excited for this year’s season. Being somewhat new to the sport, Kumar explains that her teammates have been welcoming and helpful in every way.

“They are constantly trying to teach me new skills and techniques to improve my game, because they know I still have many things to learn about the sport,” she said, also adding that,  “the others golfers are kind, have good sportsmanship, and are always willing to help out.”

Both teams express impeccable dedication to the sport as well, with after school practices and matches to demonstrate their prowess. This year, their goals are to get to Districts, Regionals, and States, all while improving their skills on the course.

“We are hoping that our hard work at practice will lead to good results during our matches, and so far, they are,” Kumar added.

On the boys’ side, the Panthers are led by seniors Steven Chervony and Austin Colon. Besides these two leaders, junior Justin Friedman and sophomore Miles Castoro, are also big contributors to the team, helping to place second overall at the Biltmore Tournament in their first match of the season. That second place finish would not have been possible without Castoro placing second overall individually, with an incredible score of 72 through 18 holes.

Coaches Sandy Bodner, Karl Nitowski, and Pam Elders have put a lot of effort into sharpening both teams’ abilities and preparing these athletes to represent themselves well on the green. In past years, Pine Crest has had great golf teams, with four former PC golfers currently competing at the collegiate level, and another, senior Steven Chervony, on his way to play at the University of Texas next year. Needless to say, there is no lack of talent on either Pine Crest golf team.