The Pitt-Johnstown men’s golf team was preparing last week for a Pennsylvania  State Athletic Conference Championship Sunday and Monday in Hershey.

The tournament was to include eight teams.

Head Coach Michael Drahos said golfers were preparing for the championship just as they would for any competition.

“We are going to try to approach it like any other day on the course.  We have to work hard, play smart and eliminate mistakes,” said Drahos.

Junior Kyle Maguire specified some of the tournament preparation.

“We put in range work for an hour a day and then play nine holes at Windber Country Club,” said Maguire

He also said that it is crucial for the team to have each individual golfer to utilize their strengths.

“Each one of our golfers has the ability to shoot mid 70s; we just need to put a good round together.”

Coach Drahos said that it is also important for the golfers to be in the proper frame of mind.

“We have to find a way to play our game and not let the pressure or outside influences an effect the way we play,” said Drahos.

Senior Cody Trabert said what he thinks is most important for the team to win.

“It is important to not make compound mistakes.  If we make mistakes, we have to take the bogey and not compound it into a double bogey,” said Trabert

Maguire said the golfers appreciate Drahos’ coaching.

“Coach has been very strict on how we play and our qualifying rounds.  He expects everyone to be practicing every day, and it has resulted in more of a team atmosphere and more competitive play.”

The team plans on playing a competitive tournament, but they have positive feelings about it.

“We played on this course last year, so that definitely helps us to have that experience,” said Trabert.

  “It is going to be a tough tournament for sure as there are several top national teams in our conference that will be competing this weekend.

Drahos said he had high expectations.

“I expect our guys to go out there and give our program and our school the proper representation that it deserves,” Drahos said.