Justin Zackal now sitting in Onderko's old chair
Westminster College has hired a replacement for former sports information director Joe Onderko, who resigned after 11 years to become executive director of the Presidents' Athletic Conference.
The newcomer is Justin Zackal, who most recently served as a graduate assistant in the sports communication office for the last two years at Division I West Virginia. Zackal served as the primary media relations contact for women's gymnastics and rifle and traveled with women's basketball. He also assisted with football and men's basketball.
Zackal's 2005 WVU gymnastics guide was voted "Best in the Nation" while two feature stories earned "Best in the District" honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America. He also served as information director for the East Atlantic Gymnastics League last season.
Prior to his stint at WVU, Zackal spent two years as the first full-time sports information director at his alma mater, Waynesburg. He also worked part-time as a sports writer for the Herald-Standard in Uniontown, Pa., since 2000, and as a game-day statistician for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2002.
A resident of Garard's Fort, Pa., Zackal earned his bachelor's degree in communication from Waynesburg in 2003 and will complete his master's in journalism from WVU in July. He will assume his new duties at Westminster on June 1.
State golf tournament
The 52nd annual state golf tournament will be held at the Hickory VFW Golf Course in Hermitage June 8-11.
Doug Kritz, director of golf at the course, expects over 100 teams to compete in the event. The 54-hole stroke play competition will consist of an 18-hole qualifying round on either Thursday or Friday and 36 holes Saturday and Sunday. Golfers can either qualify on Thursday or Friday, but not both days.
The cost is $120, which includes three rounds of golf with cart, three meals, complimentary hat and golf ball, and individual trophies for flight winners, runners-up and third-place finishers.
There will be one major change this year, allowing players over the age of 70 to hit from the red tees. Other golfers will use the white tees. Those golfers who reach the championship flight will hit from the blue tees.
The course is offering (from May 1 until June 7) a $15 play-and-ride special for all veterans who plan to participate in the tournament. For more information, call (724) 346-6903.
Westminster softball
Coach Jan Reddinger's Westminster College softball team turned in another banner season, finishing 22-18 overall and taking second place in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (9-3). It was the 23rd winning record in the past 25 seasons for the Titans.
Four players were named first team all-conference -- senior second baseman Abby Mazar (West Allegheny), junior pitcher-designated hitter Jennifer Pancake (Boardman), junior outfielder Stephanie Cornicelli (Howland) and junior first baseman Kristin Zyskowski (Montour).
Mazar started all 40 games and earned All-PAC recognition for the third straight year. She batted .314 this season with 25 RBIs.
Pancake was named to the first team for the third straight year after posting a 17-13 record. She batted .325 with 11 doubles, three homers and 25 RBIs.
Cornicelli batted .359, led the conference with 13 stolen bases and scored 25 runs. Zyskowski batted .315 with 11 doubles and 17 runs scored.