With the 2024 high school golf season under way, PennLive is taking a closer look at some of the top returning players and teams competing in the Mid-Penn Capital Division. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Boiling Springs
Head coach: Jim Lithgow
Key players: James Sias, Sam Harbst, Cody Shaffer, Parker Beardman, Addison Fulton, Cameron Trostle, Emma Whare.
Buzz: Once again, the Bubblers set a high bar with last year’s 41-1 conference mark. More dubs are coming with a lineup that includes Sias and Harbst, two MPC Tourney qualifiers, and Fulton, who also hit the postseason.
Camp Hill
Head coach: Erik Novak, Bob Latham
Key players: Jack Stewart, John Waldner, Luke Pursel, Sam Ellis.
Buzz: Stewart will continue his role as Camp Hill’s No. 1 after sporting an 85.7 average over seven division rounds a year ago. He also made the first-round cut at districts. Walder also joined his teammates in the MPC field, so be on the watch for the Lions.
Camp Hill's Jack Stewart, left, Erik Novak, center, and John Waldner, right, at Mid-Penn Conference golf media day at Eagles Crossing Golf Club on July 31, 2024.EVAN WHEATON | PENNLIVE
CD East
Head coach: Chuck Fackler, David Sierer
Buzz: The Panthers were limited to just three golfers a season ago, so it’s unclear if the squad can record any official team scores this year. CD East is set to host its match on Thursday at Colonial Golf and Tennis Golf.
East Pennsboro
Head coach: Jeff Barlup
Key players: Mason Smith, Brody Rafferty, Blake Pasda.
Buzz: Runner-up to the Bubblers a year ago, East Pennsboro will need a few more golfers to step into leading roles to stay there. Smith is the top returning golfer in terms of scoring average (85.7), while Pasda (87.4) and Rafferty (88.2) chipped through to the conference qualifier.
Middletown's Grant Carpenter, left, Liam Bradford, center, and Murphy Hughes, right, at Mid-Penn Conference golf media day at Eagles Crossing Golf Club on July 31, 2024.EVAN WHEATON | PENNLIVE
Middletown
Head coach: Chris Bradford
Key players: Murphy Hughes, Grant Carpenter, Mason Stiffler.
Buzz: Bradford, in his first season, marked the improvement of the Blue Raiders over the summer, so it’s possible Middletown could elevate their division ranking after going 26-16.
Susquehanna Township
Head coach: Todd Mowry, Bill Papparlardo
Key players: Ayden Fallows.
Buzz: It’s unclear if the Indians have gathered enough manpower to begin the search for team wins again. Hanna will, however, play host to next week’s division match at Dauphin Highlands GC.
From left to right, Trinity's Jeff Arnold, Ivan LaForme, Addyson Hoover, Ryan Long, Ella Breichbel, Jacob Varner and Bill Brennan at Mid-Penn Conference golf media day at Eagles Crossing Golf Club on July 31, 2024. at Mid-Penn Conference golf media day at Eagles Crossing Golf Club on July 31, 2024.EVAN WHEATON | PENNLIVE
Trinity
Head coach: Bill Brennan, Jeff Arnold
Key players: Ryan Long, Jacob Varner, Ivan Laforme, Addyson Hoover, Veronica Maddux, Ella Breichbel, Ben Snyder.
Buzz: Following a 28-14 campaign, good for third place in the Capital ranks, the Shamrocks are again a threat to challenge all comers. Long and LaForme were inside the MPC cutline for districts. Pushing to that level will be Varner’s goal. Hoover, meanwhile, is the reigning Mid-Penn 2A champ.
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