Vikings' and Golden Panthers' Seasons Get into Full Swing

Some new faces are leading the way as the embark on their journey through the rigors of the Pioneer Athletic Conference, en route to a hopeful playoff berth and district bid.

Having seen All-PAC-10 players Andrew Kenney and Austin Mann graduate during the summer, the starting eight varsity players that took to the links at Raven Claw Gold Club on Thursday know they have some very big shoes to fill.

“There is no way you can replace what Andrew and Austin meant to this team,” said Vikings Head Coach Doug Simonds, who is in his 20^th year.
“They were such special kids on and off the course, along with our other seniors. We have a much younger squad, and even have a couple of very promising freshmen playing this year.”

The senior core of Ken Struss, Frank Kasper, Colin Anderson and Tom Freil will provide the experience and leadership needed to propel Perkiomen Valley through a very difficult stretch to start the season.

Juniors Alex Hart and John Jacobsen joined sophomores Kevin Knapp and Connor Green as the full complement of players as the Vikings (1-1) took on cross-town rival Spring-Ford on Thursday.

“I really love to play; there is not as much pressure on me,” said Struss, fresh off the Phillies’ Carpenter Cup baseball tournament during the summer.
“It’s funny to see the young guys get so nervous before a match. As seniors we have to help them not feel overwhelmed, and stress the importance of relaxing and making the shots you can.”

“It’s hard to not be too aggressive when you start playing in matches,” said Kasper, currently the No. 1 slot on the squad.
“We have a tough tart to the season with Owen J. Roberts, Spring-Ford and Methacton all within a week of each other. I love getter better as the season goes. Golf always challenges you to do your best every round, which is what I love about it.”

With more than 24 kids on the squad the golf program at Perkiomen Valley for boys and girls have both grown into Pac-10 contender o a consistent basis and the future look quite promising for coach Simonds and his young guns.

LINFIELD — Pope John Paul II, lost to Methacton, 265-284, as they battled the Warriors on the links of Linfield National Golf Club on Thursday.

Cole Bernsteil led the Golden Panthers (1-3 PAC-10 and overall), whose record in no indication of how well they have played this far, with a round of 55.

One of the biggest factors in the Golden Panthers depth this season, was the fact that more than 45 kids tried out for the squad. The mix of youth and experience should prove to be a winning combination for recently hired first year coach Chris Carr as he and his PJPII linksters navigate the perils of a treacherous Pac-10 schedule.

The Golden Panthers also got major contributions from Bailey High (56), Brandon Caiola (57), John Oczypok (58), and Kevin Horst (58) who will also figure prominently in the future of a team heading in the right direction as the season progresses.