With a wealth of returning talent, Pitt-Johnstown men's golf coaches Cody Trabert and Mike Drahos have reason to believe the 2023 season could see the Mountain Cats make a run at Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and make a trip to the NCAA Regional Tournament for the second time in three years.
 
Pitt-Johnstown will be led by senior Mario Battaglia and a trio of juniors in 2021 PSAC Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-PSAC selection Justin Scally, Sal Cerilli, and Ethan Webb.  In addition, sophomores Mauricio Hernandez, who set the Mountain Cats' Individual Single-Season Scoring record as a true freshman, Parker Hilchey, and Tyler Mocello are back after gaining valuable experience a year ago.
 
Pitt-Johnstown also added talented freshman Eli Ropietski to this year's squad.
 
However, the Mountain Cats must replace Mitch Jeffe, one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the program.  Jeffe, a four-year starter who holds the school's Career Individual Scoring Record, graduated after the 2022-23 season.
 
As a team during the 2022-23 season, Pitt-Johnstown posted a 308.81 scoring average, the second lowest program history.  The Mountain Cats also recorded their lowest 54-hold school with an 888 at the West Liberty (WV) University Invitational and the program's second lowest team round score with a pair of 292s at the West Liberty Invitational.
 
Pitt-Johnstown will open this fall's four-event regular season at the California (PA) Vulcan Invitational on Sunday and Monday.  The Mountain Cats will then compete in the 2023 PSAC Men's Golf Championships at Iron Valley Golf Club in Lebanon, Pa. from Oct. 20-22.