RAY SWANSON | Keystoner 'Ball drop' highlights Buhl Club celebration of 100th anniversary

June is bustin' out all over, as far as the F.H. Buhl Club's 100th Anniversary Celebration is concerned.
Having completed two of its major events in May, the Kung Fu Demonstration and the Handball Player Reunion, the calendar of events now shifts to June 8-9 when three more events are scheduled.
On June 8, the eagerly anticipated ball drop will be featured at the driving range at Buhl Park Golf Course. A helicopter will hover over the site and drop golf balls intended for a marked circle.
According to event chairman John Thiel, the closest to the hole wins $3,000, second prize is $2,000 and third $1,000.
"We will also have other prizes," said Thiel, who is hoping for a beautiful day. "It's open to the public. Should it be a lousy day weather-wise, the event will be held the following day, on Monday."
Ticket availability
Tickets at $10 each are available at area golf courses, the Buhl Club and through The First Tee Kids, a highly successful golf program for youngsters, which was launched by coordinator Carole Dunkerley.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Buhl Club, Buhl Farm Golf Course and The First Tee program.
"We are not only hoping for a beautiful day, but a large crowd, too," continued Thiel. "You couldn't find a better viewing area than the one we'll have at the driving range."
Immediately following the ball drop, Joe Thiel, John's brother, will conduct a golf clinic.
Others on hand at the clinic will be local golf standout Shelly Sanders, a graduate of Sharon High School who played on the Futures and LPGA tours.
Others from the PGA circuit may be present, along with the long-ball hitter from Sharpsville, Roskos.
Joe Thiel, a recent inductee into the Mercer County Hall of Fame, has earned the title of PGA Master Professional Instructor. He has taught a number of professional golfers while also writing for a number of top-notch golf magazines.
Later that same day, at the Shriner's Picnic Grounds on Lamor Road, a Sports Memorabilia Auction will take place at 5 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and another large crowd is expected to attend.
On June 9, at Sharon Country Club Golf Course, a 4-Man "Shamble" is on tap. Competitors will play 18 holes; the 27-team field is completely full.
On July 19, at Sharon High School, it will be a Night of Music and Dance, followed on August 30, in conjunction with Buhl Days, by the big 100th Anniversary Banquet slated for the Corinthian in downtown Sharon.
Titans
Westminster College's baseball team placed seven players on the 2003 Presidents' Athletic Conference baseball teams.
The Titan team finished the season with a 25-11 record, going 10-5 in the PAC. Westminster placed four on the First Team and three on the Second Team.
First Team selections were senior third baseman Kevin Humberaton, East Allegheny High School; Brian Goettler, second baseman, East Allegheny; senior shortstop, B.G. Davison, Ambridge; and junior pitcher, Pat Boyle, Lincoln High School, Ellwood City.
Capturing Second Team berths were senior first baseman Kevin Culp, Canfield; junior catcher, Ben Yeckel, Shaler; and senior pitcher, Matt Pournaras, Ambridge.
Goettler posted a team high .414 batting average (53 for 128) this season with team-high totals of 44 runs scored, eight doubles, seven home runs and 33 RBIs. He also posted 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts.