Kennedy’s Klaric captures golf title

It wouldn’t be an understatement to suggest that Mike Klaric III plays the Herald-Tam O’Shanter Junior Golf Championship like he owns it.

Klaric made Mercer County golf history recently when he nailed down his fourth championship by defeating Kennedy Catholic teammate Dom Lombardi. Klaric showed a two-day total of 147 as compared to Lombardi’s 152.

Sharing third place honors were Dustin Noble and Dan Andrusky, who had 158s.

Going into the final day, Lombardi held a one-stroke advantage over Klaric and Noble. On No. 13, however, Klaric dropped a putt for an eagle on the par 5 hole and followed that up with a birdie on No. 14, called the “Death Valley Hole.” Lombardi was never able to challenge the rest of the way.

Both Klaric and Lombardi are members of Kennedy Catholic’s team, coached by John Kerins, who is also director of golf at Tamie. Kerins is a former winner of the tournament. Kerins’ father, Jack, established this junior tournament years ago. He not only promoted junior golf in the valley but women’s golf as well. The course is provided free to the participants.

The first tournament was staged 59 years ago and no one, with the exception of Klaric, has won four.

Fee on his way

Jordan Fee, standout for the Grove City High Eagles, has been accepted to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and he will play basketball there.

Before he becomes a true Falcon, Fee must go through basic training and will complete an academic year at a prep school in Colorado Springs. He will leave for Colorado July 11.

Jordan is the son of Don and Linda Fee. He has one older brother, John.

Falconi inducted

Former Farrell High football coach Lou Falconi continues to pile up honors following an outstanding career.

His most recent honor was being inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony was held recently in the Nigerian Room of the Hershey, Pa., Lodge and Convention Center.

Falconi, a native of Farrell, was named coach of the Steelers in 1980. He collected a record of 210-91-6, winning back-to-back state championships in 1995-96, one state runner-up, and four WPIAL titles. His teams qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in 18 seasons.

Trophy winners

The Westminster College women and Washington & Jefferson men captured the Presidents’ Athletic Conference all-sports trophies, which are awarded to the schools that perform the best across the board in league competition. First place finishes are worth seven points, second place is worth six points and seventh place is worth one point.

On the men’s side, the Presidents finished the season with PAC championships in football, baseball and golf to post 54.5 points, edging second-place Grove City (48.5), Westminster (39.5), Waynesburg (39), Bethany (28.5), Thiel (26) and Thomas More (24).

The women’s race saw the Titans capture league titles in soccer, swimming and diving to finish with 52 points, ahead of W&J (44), Grove City (39), Thomas More (35.5) Bethany (25), Waynesburg (23) and Thiel (13.5).