Harriton golf team continues to re-write program history
Golf has often been described as a good walk spoiled. On any given day a member of the 2015 Harriton golf team might have experienced that feeling, but thanks in large part to third-year coach Brian Dobak, those feelings were few and far between for a program that continues to re-write the school record books.
This past fall Harriton (12-1) posted its best finish in since joining the Central League in 2008; qualified for the district tournament for the second time in three years (2013 & 2015) and beat Central League rival Conestoga.
The 2015 roster was made up of seniors Jack Hirsh, Ryan Keefe, Kyle Koziol, Jake Stein, Jack Dash and TJ Arms along with juniors Don DiLoreto and Nick Wert.
“This year was awesome,” said senior captain Jack Hirsh. “It was a great team accomplishment to make it back to the district playoffs for the first time since my sophomore year.”
“Our 2015 squad was stacked with seniors that brought a lot of experience and a lot of desire to finish out their high school career strong,” said Harriton coach Brian Dobak. “They’re in high school once in their life, so they wanted to go out firing on cylinders.”
Firing on all cylinders is exactly what the Rams did this season continuing to build on a foundation they started to construct three years ago when Brian Dobak was hired with the goal being to put Harriton golf on the map, not just in the school but in the area as well.
“Since day one, my philosophy has been to give the kids freedom and space to enjoy themselves and to take ownership of their time and participation on the team,” Dobak said. “I lay out expectations, and then I step back and let them work towards their goals. Also from a culture standpoint, I understand that most of our kids aren’t going to play in college, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a polished golf program that provides for them a great experience”
“Brian has been a game changer for us,” Hirsh said in an interview in mid-September. “Brian is a calming force, very level headed unlike myself and to have him there to calm you down is important.”
Harriton junior Nick Wert, who is in his first year as a member of the varsity team added, “Since I came to Harriton three years ago the varsity team has always seemed like a tight knit group that seems like a family and I couldn’t wait to make varsity. Also, having a calming presence like Coach Dobak behind you has helped our game.”
In the five years prior to Dobak’s arrival, Harriton golf posted a 32-27-2 record. During Dobak’s three-year tenure, Harriton has posted a 33-4-1 record; two team district performances; coached one of his players to back-to-back medalist performances at their Central League tournament (2013,2014) and coached the team to a pair of second place finishes in the Central League (2013, 2015) and one third place finish (2014).
Dobak said, “Anytime you can beat Radnor or Conestoga to grab that second place finish, it’s a great season, but our goal is to win the league, and I believe we can do that.”
