RAY SWANSON | Keystoner Thundering Herd makes history

They call themselves The Thundering Herd, and for the past 30 years they have distinguished themselves as part of one of the strongest and finest golf circuits Mercer County and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Stealing a line from one of the PGA commercials, these guys are good. They seek no publicity or headlines. They just love the game, the companionship and competition. The Thundering Herd has been in existence for more than 30 years.
The courses
The members have played courses such as Tam O'Shanter, Yankee Run and Oak Tree. Presently the VFW Course in Hermitage is the Herd's home turf. Members play at least five days a week.
Spokesman Kenny Anderson, a member of The Herd, said, "A number of these guys have been playing together for over 25 to 30 years. Some leave and some come back."
In the locker room at the VFW Golf Course hangs a framed plaque, symbolic of the Thundering Herd, depicting names of its members.
A number of The Herd compete in the Penn-Ohio League, and some have been named to the Mercer County Hall of Fame. And for the most part, the members are of high athletic acclaim, having thrilled Mercer County sports fans with their achievements through the years.
Who's the best?
From what we've heard, Bob Blaze heads up the list. He shoots consistently in the 60s, and according to Anderson, he fired eight birdies in one outing and had nine another time.
Blaze, who resides in West Middlesex, reportedly played at Sharon High for basketball and golf coach Alex Chrobak, who is also a member of The Herd.
Next is Doug Kritz, who doubles as the VFW golf course manager, while the No. 3 spot is shared by Greg Oman and Bob DeFeo.
Other members of The Herd include Dave Stratter, Mike Magula, Wally Krickich, Sam Jankovich, Ed Janusko, Sam Iacino, Bruce Abbott, Tom Platteborze, Jim McCune, Mickey Alexander, Denny Alexander, Ed Seginak, Pete Iacino, Jim Parcetich, John O'Rourke (who heads up the pro shot at the VFW), Walt Nogay, Bill Stratter, Dave Scott, Dick Lingher and Dennis Kushay.
Reminiscing
Now there are a few names that helped create Mercer County sports history.
To make the competition fair, those under 65 hit from the blue tees, and those over 65 hit from the white tees.
But age has nothing to do with the way these guys stroke the ball. As Yogi Berra would say, long and far.
While it's a tremendous honor to be playing with the Thundering Herd, it should be remembered that these gentlemen not only excelled on the golf courses of the area, but on the football fields, basketball courts and other places of athletic endeavors. And they are thankful and encouraged that those traditions continue on at the VFW course five days a week.