After section showdown, Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy golfers go on to postseason success

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 1, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley and Sewickley Academy have well-established golf programs and traditions.

Another chapter in the long rivalry took place Sept. 20 when the QV golfers defeated the Panthers, 200-211, in a critical section match at Allegheny Country Club.

With the win, QV clinched a tie for first place with Eden Christian in Section 9-2A.

“I thought (the performance against SA) was collectively our best of the year,” QV coach Greg Vecchi said. “It happened when the pressure was on and we needed it the most. It was a good match and a big win. I’m pumped because that was the best we’ve golfed all year.”

Vecchi briefly discussed the QV-SA rivalry on the links.

“The Sewickley Academy golfers are class acts,” he said. “They’re a good team, have great sportsmanship and are always competitive to play against. The rivalry has been solid for years, and this year was no exception, with each team winning one head-to-head (match).”

The Quakers lineup in the section showdown consisted of juniors Ethan Dai (36) and Nolan Wagoner (39), sophomores Ryan Dusch (43) and Will Newlin (38) and senior Joe Veeck (43), who last spring earned honorable mention status for the Western Pennsylvania Boys Tennis Sportsmanship Award.

“We have played badly at times and good at times this season,” Vecchi said. “With continued practice and playing, our team could definitely make it to the WPIAL team finals. Hopefully, this win sparks everyone to give even more effort toward getting better.”

QV’s veteran coach has been impressed particularly with the efforts of Dai and Wagoner in 2023.

“The (PIAA) individual playoffs are attainable for Ethan and Nolan. Both are playing better than I’ve ever seen them play,” Vecchi said. “Both have strong heads for the game. If they have trouble at any point, they have the ability to focus on the next ball. That’s important for any level.

“We don’t name captains, but I go to Nolan and Ethan for their thoughts on different team things.”

Newlin logged his best score of the season with his performance against the Panthers, which caught the attention of his teammates.

“Everyone played extremely well,” Dai said. “I’d like to especially mention Will Newlin, who shot a 38 at Allegheny, and Joseph Veeck, who shot a 43 even though it was his first varsity match.

“Although our team has struggled during some rounds, everyone’s performed above expectations when they needed to the most.”

The Quakers, who finished third in the WPIAL in 2022, improved to 8-2 in section play and overall.

QV sophomore Makenna Kamnikar posted a 54 against Sewickley.

“Makenna’s a confident and relaxed golfer — two great attributes,” Vecchi said. “I really think she helps our varsity, especially at Sewickley Heights Golf Club since she’s a member there.”

Other reserves for the Quakers include senior Michael Ponzo and sophomore Henry Zupanc.

Sewickley’s lineup was led by juniors Severin Harmon, who shot a 37, and Karan Kad, with a 42, followed by juniors Nolan Donnelly (45) and Rob Fogle (42) and sophomore Niko Frazzini (45). Another sophomore, Billy Pietragallo, carded a 48.

Sewickley’s golf team has been coached this season by former assistant Seamus Coons. SA’s legendary coach Win Palmer died unexpectedly Aug. 31.

“This has been a challenging golf season in ways I or the players could never have anticipated,” Coons said. “I was blown away by the number of parents, alumni and community members of Sewickley Academy who have offered help and support.

“This speaks to the person Win Palmer was, the relationships he developed and the impact he had on so many people throughout the years. It also speaks to Sewickley Academy and our close-knit and supportive community.”

The SA squad consists of four juniors, three sophomores, including Luke Palguta, and freshman Emily Milanovich.

Harmon, Kad and Donnelly are co-captains.

“I am incredibly proud of the team and our performance this season,” Coons said. “Going into the year, we knew we were a young team without a ton of experience. Then, they had to go through the pain of losing a coach and mentor.

“Despite those hardships, the team came together and performed exceptionally well, growing as both golfers and people. It is disappointing not to make the team WPIALs. However, I am confident the players will continue to improve, and we will be much stronger next year.”

Dai zeroed in on first place with a 1-under par 70 at the Section 9-2A qualifier Sept. 18 Rolling Acres. Wagoner tied for second with a 74.

Dai and Wagoner both repeated as WPIAL qualifiers, as did Harmon and Kad by placing fifth and seventh for SA. Harmon also was a WPIAL finalist as a sophomore.

The first round of this year’s WPIAL championships took place Sept. 25 at Willowbrook. Round 2 was scheduled for Oct. 2 at Butlers as the finals are played on two days at two courses.

Dai was the first-round leader thanks to his 3-under par 69 that included four birdies, one bogey and 13 pars. After making birdie on the first two holes on the back nine, he wrapped up his day on the 6,431-yard course with seven consecutive pars.

“Ethan’s round was fantastic,” Vecchi said. “His confidence is high, and his game is always impressive.”

Harmon ended his round in seventh place with a 3-over 75 as he recorded two birdies, five bogeys and 11 pars. Wagoner shot an 82, and Kad finished with an 84.

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