Vindicator Fall Athletes: Mark Standohar

Mark Standohar comes from a family full of distinguished golfers, but this year he earned something that allows him to stand out.

He did what his older brother and cousin couldn’t do in their high school careers — qualify for the state tournament. Standohar was also the first Girard golfer to make it to state in 28 years.

“It meant a lot for the school,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to do it and I’ve had a lot of chances when I was younger playing with my brother and cousin. We’ve been so close and they never got to go and I got to go.

“I really just wanted to do it for them and for the city of Girard. It meant a lot.”

After three years of near misses, Standohar needed a back-nine comeback to advance from district play. He shot a 42 on the front nine and then was 1-under par the rest of the way. He credits his coach, Dave Leo, for a between-round pep talk and years of playing with his dad, brother and cousin to get him in the right mindset.

“I think playing with brother and cousin helped me a lot,” Standohar said. “We take it one shot at a time. Don’t worry about anything except the shot in front of you because the hole is never over. You can hit a huge shot or drain a long putt.”

Standohar shot 167 during the two-day state tournament, good for fourth place among individual qualifiers and 29th in the entire field.

“The course ground was hard and there was crazy wind,” he said. “It was tough conditions but I actually hit the ball pretty well, I just didn’t score well. But it was still a good experience.”

Standohar is undecided about where to attend college, but wants to keep playing golf and eventually pursue a career as a sportswriter.

“I just want to thank everyone that came out to watch me in the state tournament,” Standohar said. “It meant a lot and everyone that helped me along the way, it made a difference and I appreciate it.”