Mooney’s Ken Keller looks forward to YSU

January 2, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State golf coach Tony Joy’s recruiting mantra is keeping local talent at home to build a solid base.

The recent addition of Cardinal Mooney standout Ken Keller to the program only reaffirms the conviction of YSU’s 33-year coach.

Keller recently inked a national letter-of-intent to play for YSU and is excited for the opportunity to develop under Joy.

“I had a lot of decisions to make as I was looking for my best option for both golf and education,” Keller said. “I have always been impressed with YSU’s facilities.

“Coach Joy is an excellent coach and as a member of the Horizon League, YSU provides a top-notch schedule and the opportunity to go up against some of the very best golfers on the collegiate level,” Keller said. ”From top to bottom, the Horizon League is very competitive.”

A first-team all-Catholic League and NEO selection his senior season, Keller was Catholic League medalist this past fall. He was a first-team all-NEO pick as a sophomore and junior, second team Division II all-Ohio as a junior and first-team all-Catholic League the same season.

Keller also earned second-team all-Catholic League laurels as a sophomore.

As a four-year letter-winner for the Cardinals, Keller played for Andy Santor after earning three letters under the tutelage of former head coach Bob Banks.

“Ken had an incredible senior year and has all the tools to be a great player for Tony Joy at YSU,” Santor said. “He has a tremendous work ethic, great touch around the greens and plenty of power.

“I saw him hit some shots this year that had me shaking my head, in a good way,” Santor said. “He has a bright future ahead of him at both YSU and beyond.”

Joy, the 2014 Horizon League Coach of the Year, has produced 20 first-team and six second-team all-conference selections. His three conference champions were Ryan Stocke (2010), Nate Komsa (2004) and Jim Perry (1994).

This past season, Brandon Pluchinsky (South Range) became YSU’s first Horizon League Golfer of the Year, averaging 74.3 over his four-year career.

It was Pluchinsky to whom Keller called upon for advice while making his recruiting decision.

“I hasked him why he chose YSU and then asked why I should consider YSU,” Keller said. “I want to compete against the very best and position myself to be the best moving forward and Brandon just reaffirmed everything for me.

“I looked at where I can become a better golfer and a better person and YSU was the right fit for me.”

Banks served as an assistant to Santor last fall and likens Keller’s career to that of his former prot g , the late John Hamarik, Cardinal Mooney’s 1974 state champion.

Hamarik averaged 36.6 during his scholastic career and Keller 36.8.

“The kid is a complete player,” Banks said of Keller. “He has it all, is dedicated and absolutely works hard at his game. He just inspires those around him to be better at their game.”

A two-time sectional medalist during his junior and senior campaigns, Keller was a part of three Cardinals sectional championship teams.

“We are very fortunate to have Ken joining our golf program and becoming a member of our Penguin athletic family next fall,” Joy said. “He has been one of the most talented local players over the last several years and not only has he had a very successful high school career, but his second-place finish at the Ohio Junior Championship this past summer places him among the very best players in the state.

“His academic resume only adds to what a fine student-athlete he is.”

A 4.0 student in the classroom, Keller plans on majoring in either communications or business.