These golfers were the cream of the crop

BOYS
COLIN CLEMENTE
School/grade: Warren John F. Kennedy, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-State, first team Northeastern Ohio. Medalist at districts, sectionals, the Western Reserve Invitational and Seven Hills Invitational and runner-up at the Bishop's Cup. Year average of 73.
Name someone who has been a positive influence on your athletic career: My brother Patrick has been my mentor since I was a child. His influence has been present in all aspects of my life, not just in athletics. His work ethic has been a model for me, and because of his positive influence I have been a successful three-sport athlete and honor student.
Best memory from this season: Standing on the podium at Ohio State and receiving my plaque for first team All-State for the fourth consecutive year.
Something people don't know about you or would be surprised to learn: Twelve years ago, I won a weather contest and did the weather live with Stan Boney on television as my entire first-grade class watched from the studio.
RICHARD BAROFF
School/grade: Liberty, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-Trumbull Athletic Conference 2002 and 2003, second team All-Northeast Ohio. Low TAC average of 37.69. Captain and MVP of Liberty's TAC and sectional championships.
Positive influence: My golf coach, Mr. Rasile, has always encouraged me to do my best. He has taught me about leadership and responsibility. Also, my entire family has supported me throughout my high school career. Even my grandfather traveled to Florida to watch me play last summer. My mom gets to every event she can, even if it's just to greet me when I finish. My dad is the only coach I have ever had, and has taught me sportsmanship and perseverance above all else.
Best memory: Winning this year's sectional championship, playing alongside my brother, Ryan. Also, participating in the MAC-TAC Ryder Cup and shooting 1-under par to win the No. 1 singles match.
Surprised to learn: Besides playing golf, I am on the Liberty varsity bowling team and the varsity tennis team, and I'm an honor roll student. I will be studying aviation next year at a college in Florida and plan to become a pilot. I have my private pilot's license now and will take you for a ride sometime!
COLBY D. DECAPUA
School/grade: Brookfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Four-year letterman. 2003 OHSAA state individual qualifier, shooting 74-77. Tied for second place at the Division II district tournament by shooting 74. It was his third appearance in the district. Sectional tournament medalist (76). All-Northeast Ohio selection, first team All-Trumbull Athletic Conference, Academic All-Ohio award. High Honor Roll, Beta Club, Who's Who. Averaged 39.33 in league play, with a tournament average of 76.40. Finished sixth at the Brookfield Invitational and 16th at the Cardinal Mooney Classic.
Positive influence: My dad. He has practiced with me for as long as I can remember, for baseball and basketball, as well as golf. He is ready to work with me in all kinds of weather and willing to spend as much time as I need to practice and play. He's taken me to tournaments, paid for lessons and equipment and has always made time to watch me play. He enjoys talking about every hole I play on every course and listens when I am excited or frustrated with my game. During my senior year, he kept me focused and disciplined as I prepared to go to the state tournament by critiquing my swing or just walking with me while I practiced at driving ranges and area courses. He's given me confidence in myself and taught me that hard work would pay off. My dad has been my toughest coach and my most loyal fan.
Best memory: The weekend I played in the state tournament in Columbus. My family, friends and teachers came down to watch me play. They were there when I teed off on my first hole and cheered for me until both rounds were finished. That weekend meant a lot to me because of all the support I had from my family and friends. There couldn't have been a better way to end my high school career than to play with all the best golfers in the state at the same time and be able to call myself one of them.
Surprised to learn: I am as much of an outdoors sportsman as I am on the golf course or in the gym. I enjoy spending some of my free time outdoors either archery hunting, small game hunting or fishing with my family and friends.
JOSH FANNIN
School/grade: Jackson-Milton, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: MVP, first team Northeast Ohio Golf Coaches Association Division III, first team Inter-County League. Broke school record for second year.
Positive influence: My dad, Paul. He was always supportive of me and believed in me for whatever I did. He helped with my swing when I needed it and he got me to focus and play the best that I can.
Best memory: Being the only Jackson-Milton golf member to make it to districts.
Surprised to learn: I was real good friends with the other golfers from different schools.
BRIAN GUSTAFSON
School/grade: Columbiana, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Four-year letterman, first team All-Tri-County League, second team All-Northeast Ohio, Malone College Golf Camp MVP. Tied Valley Golf Course record with a 29. Valley Golf Junior League (Senior Division) champion. Second-lowest average (39) on team for season. Tri-County League All-Academic Team with a 3.4 GPA.
Positive influence: My dad has always encouraged me, and with constructive criticism has made me more aware of areas on which I need to work. His encouragement and help have also reinforced the idea that I can do anything as long as I work hard. He has always been there for me.
Best memory: Our team qualifying for the district tournament. With it being such a close match, our team was very excited to qualify because we had worked so hard.
Surprised to learn: When I graduate from college, I would like to pursue a degree in law.
MICHAEL MILADORE
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: 2003 Metro Athletic Conference medalist with an average of 37.6. Is a three-time All-MAC team selection. Shot a low round of 33. Played in every varsity match for four years.
Positive influence: My golf instructor, Ted Ossoff, has always had time in the last five years to help improve my skills. My parents have supported me in many of my matches. They have taught me to try my best and to have fun.
Best memory: Our team won the Spartan Invitational at Youngstown Country Club. My younger brother, Nick, made the varsity team as a sophomore.
Surprised to learn: 4.0 GPA with perfect attendance throughout the last four years. Scored in the 97th percentile on my ACT composite and 99.9 percentile on my math ACT.
TIM MORROW
School/grade: Boardman, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: Fourth place at sectionals (82). First-place medalist at districts (73), 10th place at state (81-75). Federal League player of the year, second team All-Ohio. First place individual at Mill Creek tournament, third place individual at Boardman Invitational (75), first place at JGA Junior tournament at Oak Grove, first place JGA Ray Memorial at Sleepy Hollow, second place Spring Cup at Bedford Trails, first place Tannehauf National Junior Open, qualifier at Optimist and Kenny Novak. Held a 36.6 scoring average, with a low of 34 (Mill Creek and The Legends of Massillon).
Positive influence: It is more of a group of people. It includes my family, my coach, my teammates and owners and pros at a few local golf courses. These people try to make me the best person, whether it be criticism or compliments. Overall, they are just awesome people to be around.
Best memory: Competing at the state tournament. What was so great was having all of my supporters there watching, especially when some of the team came down the second day. The team was cheering me on, and having these people allowed me to play better. It meant a lot to me when they came down to watch, and they knew I would do the same for them.
Surprised to learn: I met Ben Curtis (British Open champion) the night before districts. My coach knew him from college, so we drove around aimlessly until we could find his house. We got there and we talked for a while and got a few pictures. It was so amazing to hold the Claret Jug and to see all the names engraved in it.
NICK PAWLIKOWSKI
School/grade: Warren John F. Kennedy, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Scored consistently in the high 30s and lower 40s all season. Named to second team Northeast Ohio. Team finished first at sectionals, third at districts.
Positive influence: Gary Casterline, a close friend of my father's, first introduced me to golf in the summer before my freshman year. Since my dad did not golf, "Uncle" Gary took me out to play. I did pretty well and enjoyed the game. "Uncle" Gary encouraged me to keep playing and gave me some good coaching. He was the reason I tried out for the golf team my freshman year.
Best memory: At the district, I did really poorly on the front nine. (It was cold, windy and snowing.) However, on the back nine I was able to come back. I ended up shooting the second-lowest score for nine holes among all the participants and the 10th-best score for 18.
Surprised to learn: It has only been four years since I first picked up a club and played golf. I didn't make the team my freshman year. With practice, instruction and determination, I was able to make the varsity team my sophomore year, become an occasional starter my junior year and become one of the top players my senior year. I have a 3.82 grade-point average and plan to attend Kettering University in pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree. I helped my father rebuild his 1972 Datsun 240Z sports car over the past 12 months.
MICHAEL SIMCOX
School/grade: Springfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: 38.2 scoring average, 38 Inter-County League average. ICL first team, ICL medalist. Season-low 34 at Diamondback Golf Course. Season-high 41 at Copeland Golf Course. Tied for second place at Western Reserve Invitational with a 77. Shot 79 at sectionals at Riverview.
Positive influence: Jeff Dolphin, current Youngstown State golf team member, co-worker at The Links at Firestone Farms and a former teammate. I have always tried to be better than him in the last three years, even though he has one more year of experience and talent. The competition strengthened both of our games.
Best memory: Tapping in at Diamondback during an ICL match on the No. 9 green and shooting a 34, despite struggling with my putting (18 total putts). This showed me how my swing has evolved in a consistent pattern from hard work over the summer.
Surprised to learn: I am not a big kid. I'm only 5-7, with an "LPGA golf swing," as my friends like to call it, but I use my head to shoot low on the course. I'm not a "flashy" golfer, but a consistent player who doesn't shoot too high or too low. I'm also a National Honor Society member and a varsity baseball player, and was voted by the class of 2004 as "Most Dependable." I also have perfect attendance.
D'ANDREW SOLTIS
School/grade: United, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: A four-year letterman, he averaged 40 per nine holes as a senior. Was a Tri-County League selection.
Positive influence: My father has been the biggest influence in my golfing career. He has always supported me and encouraged me with my decisions.
Best memory: Winning the TCL Championship.
Surprised to learn: Along with golf, I am very active in basketball with United Local.
ZACK TOMAINO
School/grade: Jackson-Milton, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team Inter-County League, second team All-Northeast Ohio, Captain's Award. Lowered last year's average by two strokes. Shot personal-best 34.
Positive influence: My father because he always supports me 100 percent. He got me started in golf and has taught me all he knows.
Best memory: Playing all season with senior friends -- Josh, Dan, Justin and Zach.
Surprised to learn: That I am an active member of my church youth group.
COACH TODD SARCHET
School: United, fifth year.
Statistics/accomplishments: New school scoring record (142), seven different scoring combinations for matches. Held 18-2 overall record, including 11-1 in the Tri-County League for the school's first TCL title.
Positive influence: My high school golf coach, Brent Bell. He showed me how much fun golf can be as a game. He did not take himself or the team too seriously and he taught me to look at the game of golf in this way. He tried to interject some humor into us and the game.
Best memory: The kids being able to capture our school's first TCL championship.
Surprised to learn: Aside from golf I enjoy gardening, woodworking, and spending time with my wife and three kids.
GIRLS
KATIE DICK
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Fifth at state championships, shooting 78-75. First team All-State, Academic All-State. First team All-Northeast Ohio district. All-Steel Valley Conference first team, Academic All-SVC. JFK Invitational medalist (72), Bishop's Cup medalist (78), sectional medalist (78). Holds nine-hole school record (34 at Mill Creek). Holds 18-hole school record (72 at Candywood). One hole-in-one.
Name someone who has been a positive influence on your athletic career: My dad. I just really enjoy playing golf with him, and he's always there for me.
Best memory from this season: The state golf tournament. It was my first time making it there. I know it is an exciting experience I will never forget. Also, my team. We had a lot of fun together this year -- on and off the course.
Something people don't know about you or would be surprised to learn: That this was really hard for me to write. Instead of talking about my golf game, I'd rather be playing it.
BRITTNEY BINKO
School/grade: Warren John F. Kennedy, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Stroke average of 44.9 in 19 rounds, with eight being 18-hole rounds. Was medalist once. Best nine-hole score of 43, best 18-hole score of 86. Finished fifth of 104 at sectionals with a 93. Elected captain for 2004 season. Grade-point average of 3.2.
Positive influence: My Dad, John Binko, has been the greatest influence to my golf career. He pushes me to achieve the success he knows I can accomplish. He sparked my interest in the beginning and has been beside me through all my games. He knows how to tell me to correct my errors and strive to do better without making me mad.
Best memory: The day of the blackout we had a match in Cleveland and we finished playing but couldn't find anything to eat until we were almost back to Warren and it took us five hours to get home. Also, there was this stray kitten that joined one of our foursomes and became a mascot to the team.
Surprised to learn: I enjoy playing golf but my passion is fast-pitch softball.
MOLLIE BONEY
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Steel Valley Conference medalist. First team All-SVC. Honorable Mention All-Northeast Ohio district team. Three-year letterwinner. Finished fifth at Bishop's Cup Tournament.
Positive influence: My dad. I think he works harder than I do to get me motivated and working at my game. He takes me golfing whenever I ask, and is always supportive. He's the first one to boost my confidence back up whenever it's down. I would never be where I am today without all he's done for me.
Best memory: Going into the last SVC match. I was tied for the conference medalist. I birdied the last hole at Avalon South to shoot 39 and win medalist honors.
Surprised to learn: My dad is the meteorologist for News Channel 33.
FELICIA CIOTOLA
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-Metro Athletic Conference for the third year. MAC medalist. Held a season scoring average of 41.9, including a low MAC score of 37. Second team All-Northeast Ohio District team for the second year. Ohio High School Golf Coaches Association Academic All-Ohio. Received her fourth varsity letter. Placed 10th out of all statewide participants with a score of 78 at districts, which allowed her to take the fourth spot and qualify for the state tournament.
Positive influence: George Bellino. He was always willing to help me whenever I was struggling with my game. Also, my family was a very large positive influence. They were always there cheering for me no matter how well I was doing. Additionally, Coach McCall. She has worked with me for the past four years. Thank you.
Best memory: Getting a 78 at districts, which allowed me to play at the state level.
Surprised to learn: I would always bring my fishing pole to the tournaments I played at. After I was done playing, I went fishing at a pond on the course, with someone's permission. I am also on Canfield High School's bowling team. Also, I love country music and enjoy going to country concerts.
ANNIE GRISCHOW
School/grade: Struthers, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-Metro Athletic Conference, honorable mention Northeast Ohio. Averaged 44 per nine holes.
Positive influence: My older brother Billy, who introduced me to golf. He pushes me to do my best by assisting my game and practicing with me. He is a role model for my life, not only golf.
Best memory: Breaking 40.
Surprised to learn: I'm a 4.0 student and a member of the Struthers High School varsity softball team. I'm also a member of the Interact and Panda Club at Struthers High School.
CARLY KARZMER
School/grade: Boardman, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: No. 1 player for the Spartans. Qualified in second place for district play, shot a personal best at districts. Made second team All-Federal League and was fourth at the Federal League tournament.
Positive influence: My grandfather, Walter Ford. When I was younger, he would always come and support me. He taught me all about golf and would always say, "Drive for show, putt for dough," and he focused teaching me on my short game. My grandfather passed away in January of 2001 and I think about him whenever I am on the golf course; I write his initials on my golf ball. I don't think I would love the game as much as I do if it wasn't for him.
Best memory: Qualifying for districts and having my family come and support me.
Surprised to learn: I was born in Hawaii.
STEPHANIE MROZEK
School/grade: Poland, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged 46.9 for nine holes, selected to the All-Metro Athletic Conference team, honorable mention all-district. Individual district qualifier.
Positive influence: My father, Garry L. Mrozek, because he introduced me to golf. He helped me learn the game and encouraged me to keep trying even when I was frustrated. His determination and persistence has encouraged me to strive to be the best that I possibly can, not only in golf, but also in life.
Best memory: Qualifying for districts. My teammates were very supportive of my accomplishment, as were my parents and coach. Also, the experience of playing in a district competition was memorable.
Surprised to learn: I was the first girl golfer in Poland High School history to qualify for districts.
LAURA NOCHTA
School/grade: Lakeview, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team Northeastern Ohio Golf Coaches Association. Is undefeated in two years of high school match play. Averaged 38.2 strokes for nine holes and 77 for 18 holes and tournaments. Low scores were 35 for nine holes at Tamer Win and 77 for 18 holes at Candywood in the Warren JFK Invitational. Finished second at sectionals and sixth at districts. Holds a grade-point average of 4.0.
Positive influence: Joe Allen, golf instructor. I wouldn't be where I am without him. Also my parents and family for all their support and help in letting me reach my goals.
Best memory: How well the team pulled together and supported each other to make it to districts. State is our goal next year.
Surprised to learn: I am a Lakeview High School honor roll student, majorette, symphonic band member (flute) and a competition dancer. I became interested in golf after attending an LPGA event and became friends with LPGA pro Kris Tschetter.
KATIE ROGNER
School/grade: Warren John F. Kennedy, freshman.
Statistics/accomplishments: JFK Eagle Invitational, Candywood Golf Course. This was her first high school tournament. Second place in a three-way sudden death playoff with a 3-over-par 76 (36-40). Team played in the district championship at Tam O' Shanter Golf Course in Canton. She shot an 11-over-par 83 (38-45). Season averages: 18-hole tournaments (83.1) and nine-hole matches (40.9).
Positive influence: My golf instructor, Joe Allen, from Troy Hill Golf Center in Burton, who taught me my swing. My grandfather, Robert Sorokach, who came to every match and tournament. My father, Jeff, used to take my brothers (Bill and Harris) and me to play golf at Buhland Golf Course in Sharon every Sunday morning. We thought it was a neat way to get out of going to church -- until we started going to Mass on Saturday night. My mom, Lisa, who has a score, statistic, summary and picture for every one of our sports activities. My coach, Mr. Tom Rider, who golfed, drove, fed, taught, lectured, laughed, cried, brought us home late a few times, yelled, and expected 120 percent from us. I love Coach Rider!
Best memory: You meet the nicest people on the golf course. Several people have formed my season's best memories. I will always remember how much fun it was to golf with Katie Dick and Abby Letson, and the kindness of Brittney Binko, Laura Nochta and Cara Graneto. My favorite match was the Bobby Lewis Invitational, held at Trumbull Country Club, and the celebration afterwards. Having the opportunity to play golf every day.
Surprised to learn: I am a candy queen.
ASHLEY YAGER
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Low round of 38 in home match. First team All-Metro Athletic Conference. All-Northeast Ohio honorable mention. Team was MAC and sectional champs.
Positive influence: My father. He is very supportive and takes the time to watch me play. He is always there to help me practice or give me advice whenever I am having trouble. Without him, I never would have started playing golf. He opened a whole new door for me.
Best memory: Our Pickerington Tournament in Columbus. Our coach, Coach McCall, was able to get us into some great tournaments in the beginning of our season. It was a great way to get back into competitive playing. Our team was closer than ever this year, which made our season a lot more enjoyable. Pickerington was our overnight tournament. The camaraderie made our team experience even greater. Even though we did not end up on top, it was still an experience I will never forget.
Surprised to learn: I play softball year-round with West End Silver and for the high school. I want to attend undergraduate school and then medical school so I can go on to become a practicing doctor.
COACH DIANE MCCALL
School: Canfield, seventh year.
Statistics and accomplishments: The team won the Metro Athletic Conference for the fifth straight year and finished in first place at sectionals. Felicia Ciotola made it to the state tournament as an individual, when she shot a 78 at the districts. Three players named to the All-MAC team: Ciotola, Ashley Yager and Karly Johnson. Season record was 11-1.
Positive influence: There are really five people who have influenced my love for the game of golf! First are my parents, Ben and Lorraine Roth, who not only introduced me to the game when I was 19 years old but continue to provide me with fabulous golf courses to play on. (My mom and I even won the YCC Ladies Old Pal tournament one year.) Next is my husband, Larry, who before we were married, helped teach me to play golf so that we could enjoy the sport together while on vacation, etc. Later, his own competitive golf successes made me want to have a few trophies of my own. Fourth is my daughter, Ashley, who is a senior at Ohio University and who plays on the ladies golf team. Not wanting to be easily beaten by my own child, she pushed me to improve my game before she passed me by. And last, but not least, is my son Kyle, who continually shows me just how good his short game is.
Best memory: The fun, laughter and music we shared while driving to the 18-hole tournaments (especially the trip to Pickerington), winning the sectional tournament, Felicia qualifying and playing in the state tournament with many of her teammates coming down to watch.
Surprised to learn: Before moving to Youngstown, my parents and I enjoyed the sport of sailing. We would compete every weekend in sailboat races held on Lake Erie.