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GOLF: Gearing Up for the Playoffs, La Salle, Archbishop Carroll, St. Joseph's Prep and Roman Catholic Secure Key Wins

By John Murray, 09/27/21, 6:15PM EDT

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On Par with Johnny Murray - Edition 4

By: John Murray

Philadelphia - It’s no doubt that the La Salle Explorers are the team to beat in the Philadelphia Catholic League. La Salle has won all 17 non-league and league match-ups this season, not including two co-ed scrimmages against Little Flower and St. Hubert.

One standout non-league match occurred on Sept.14 at historic Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. La Salle and Holy Ghost Prep took on the short but extremely challenging front nine designed by Donald Ross in 1920.

This very private and prestigious course gives the players the opportunity to play at historic venue that has hosted a lot of famous and influential players in the game's history.  The course is played as one of Holy Ghost Prep's home venues, which allows the team to play there a few times a week. While the Firebirds had home advantage, La Salle came out firing on all cylinders, topping the host with a score of 192-208.  

This vital non-league match at a challenging course propelled the Explorers to continue their win streak against Father Judge (236-311), Conwell-Egan (228-311) and Bonner-Prendergast (220-272).       

With the PCL championship coming closer into view (Oct. 6), it's now more crucial than ever for the Explorers to end the regular season in a positive way.  

It was a hot and humid day at the Union League Golf Club and the players had to deal with some rough conditions, considering how hilling the course is, making the walk tricky. Leading the way, the Explorers set the tone for the rest of the field with two players shooting rounds in the 30s. Sophomore Scott Hughes came out with a confident 3-over par 37. His teammate, senior Eric Fryer led the Explorers with a 2-over 36.   

"I'm coming into the week with a little bit of confidence after some good rounds last week at Philadelphia Country Club and Waynesborough. So I am excited to play today," said Fryer.

Holy Ghost Prep finished out the day with a scoring average of 41.


Tee box markers at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale

Looking ahead, both teams have packed schedules before league championships and district tournaments.  With the golf season at its peak, the players are spending more and more time together building tight relationships that have aided in their camaraderie.  Senior Nick Henn from Holy Ghost spoke about his team's strong bond.  

"It's great. We have six senior and we are all close since we've been here from four years together.  We have another junior and sophomore who were on the team last year, so we all know each other really well.  Just makes it really easy being friends with each other its great," said Henn. 

Senior Eric Fryer had similar comments about his La Salle teammates.

"Anytime together is a good time.  I even started a fantasy football league with all the guys and I've got a good relationship with the freshmen and I think the team is really gelling together," said Fryer. 

While golf can be considered an individual sport, high school golf is usually formatted to be a team competition.  So, while building chemistry may differ from soccer or football, it is still important to bond on the greens.  

La Salle Senior Eric Fryer talks about the match vs. Holy Ghost:

Senior Nick Henn talks about the Firebirds camaraderie:

Match Highlights

Around the PCL:

The Archbishop Carroll Patriots started the season off strong with a tight 268-270 victory vs. Father Judge. The Patriots notched another league win against Archbishop Ryan at the Glenhardie Country Club on Sept. 20. Sophomore Matt Hurchalla led the Patriots with a 3-over-30 followed by senior captain Liam Buckley, who shot a 32. Freshman Jason DiRita and junior Joe Sheeler each shot a 33 and sophomore Brady Conlon tallied a 34.

St. Joseph’s Prep golf defeated Devon Prep 234-243 on Sept. 21. Aidan Farkas finished with a one-under-par round of 34 to lead the Prep in scoring. Jack Dare shot a 36 while Michael Schafer had one of his lowest rounds of the season shooting a 38.

On Sept. 22, Roman Catholic scored a season best of 219 in game vs. St. Hubert. Jeremiah Brown went even for par with a 33, Julian Ciurlino and Shane Corrigan each shot a 35, Joe Holahan scored a 37 and Pat Holahan shot an 39.

The victory marked head coach Dan Hoban’s 200th career win. Hoban, who is a '92 Cahillite graduate, began coaching at his alma mater in 2003 and is the longest tenured coach at Roman Catholic High School. Congrats coach Hoban on the career milestone!

(Contact Johnny Murray: jmurr56@hotmail.com for corrections, or share PCL/Inter-Ac golf news & updates)


Roman Catholic head coach Dan Hoban notched his 200th coaching victory on Sept. 22nd - Photo courtesy of Roman Catholic Athletics