Pluchinsky, Mooney boys aim for greatness

By Matthew Peaslee | October 13, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By Matthew peaslee

Brandon Pluchinsky still remembers his first set of golf clubs. In fact, they remain one of his most treasured possessions.

“They’re so small,” he said. “They barely come up to my calf muscle.”

He was four years old when his dad, John, got him that plastic set. Just six years later, at age 10, he won his first organizaed tournament at the Mill Creek Park Par 3.

Now, as a South Range senior, he is making a repeat trip to the Northstar Golf Club in Sunbury for the Division II state tournament. Champion’s Thomas Lydic and Mitch Weaver will be joining him as individual qualifiers.

Last year, he had a two-day total of 162 for eighth place. It was a true growing experience for Pluchinsky, who aspires to play at the collegiate level.

“I had two really bad holes each day that killed me,” he said. “I know it won’t happen this year because I’m not under so much pressure. I’ve been through it one time already, so I can cope with it this year.”

Pluchinsky’s Raiders missed the team qualifying cut, but Mooney’s boys team, with their 320 score at the district tournament, will represent the Valley, too.

“It’s a great challenge all season long and it’s the highest honor just to be able to get down there,” said Mooney coach Bob Banks. “We have a team with the ability to win it. We’re shooting to bring home the gold.”

Banks has been at the helm of the Cardinals’ program for 46 years. Under his watch, Mooney won back-to-back state titles in 1988-89. This is its first state tournament appearance since 1996.

Four seniors, Dom Patella, Max Pikunas, Steve Perry and Ricky Clark, lead the Cardinals. Watching that group develop over four years has been one of the most gratifying components of Banks’ nearly five decade career.

“I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that maybe they could [make it to state,]” he said. “I knew they had talent and that’s the great thing about being a coach, you get to see them go out and acquire so many skills over the years. They’re freshmen, then they grow to be seniors and then they are like two different people.”

Corey Stefanec, a sophomore, rounds out the Mooney team. He didn’t start the season in the regular lineup, in fact, he was part of the junior varsity team. It wasn’t until a September match against Columbiana that Stefanec was penciled into the varsity lineup.

“He’s really blended in with the team and continued to improve on his numbers,” Banks said. “He has a beautiful swing and it’s just been a matter of mindset for him.”

It’s a matter for every golfer, too, according to Pluchinsky.

“Attitude is everything in golf,” he said. “Keep your head up and not worrying about what happened on the hole before is the biggest thing, especially in the state tournament.”