Penn Hills notebook: Golf team welcomes newcomers, looks to improve

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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There is a clear goal for Penn Hills golf coach William Berkshire. Every time the Indians play, he wants to see gradual progress from his players.

While Penn Hills has yet to win a dual match early this season, the Indians believe they have shown improvement from the top to the bottom of the lineup.

“We’ve improved every time we go out there,” Berkshire said. “We have two players on the team who had zero experience coming into this season.”

The Indians will have a hard time keeping up in a deep section this season. Penn Hills has to contend with Central Catholic, Franklin Regional and Plum.

The Indians also will have to worry about Gateway, West Mifflin and Woodland Hills.

Nick Hepler and Gavin Tierney are expected to be Penn Hills’ top golfers. Berkshire said they have gotten plenty of practice time outside of the high school season.

“They both play every month that the Pittsburgh weather allows them to play,” Berkshire said.

Anthony Sipple, who also swims and plays baseball, also has been in the Indians’ top five this season.

Kenny Book and Caden Wood help round out the Indians lineup. Penn Hills has opened the season 0-4.

“We want to be competitive in the matches with the teams in the section that are similar to us,” Berkshire said. “The kids are doing their best and having a great time.”

Hardy gets 1st NFL look

While Penn Hills fans will have to get used to not having Aaron Donald’s career to follow anymore, another former Indians standout hopes to seal up a spot in the NFL for this fall. This preseason, Penn State graduate Daequan Hardy has seen significant time with the Bills.

Hardy had a 31-yard punt return in the Bills’ 9-3 win over the Steelers. Hardy has recorded four solo tackles and defended two passes during the preseason.

Sophomore Strader ready

Penn Hills graduate Raion Strader was named the preseason MAC Defensive Player of the Year by the College Football News. Strader, who plays for Miami (Ohio), has picked up many accolades since starting his collegiate career.

Strader was chosen as an All-American following his freshman season with the Redhawks. He intercepted a pass, batted 12 others away and finished with 40 tackles.

Miami was voted the conference favorite in the preseason polls and is expected to have a strong season.

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