Valko Signs 2 Local Talents to GA Golf Team, adds returner Ryan to team

(McKeesport, PA)

Greater Allegheny Golf Coach Mark Valko signed two new golfers for the upcoming season and added a returning GA student to his roster.

New players, Joey Gaydos (Serra Catholic HS/ Elizabeth Township, PA) and Jacob Valentine (Gateway HS/Monroeville, PA) will be joining the program as first-year students and Mike Ryan (Norwin HS/ North Huntingdon, PA) joins the team as a sophomore.

The opportunity to stay local, continue their athletic careers, and earn a high quality education was a driving factor for all three players to join the program.

All three players relied on close athletic and personal connections to push things over the top of the mountain to make their final decision to attend GA.

"My athletic director at the time, Bill Cleary, knew Mr. Valko. I met him over at Youghiogheny Country Club and played for him and it all came together." said, Gaydos.

Valentine's mom had a professional connection with Valko from a previous employer. Ryan came to GA focused on another sport but decided to pursue a game he enjoys more deeply.

Golf at the college level is both an individual and team sport. Scoring is based on individual scores and combined team scores.

Gaydos said, "A good coach brings it all together." 

Valentine added, "When the team is clicking and you're helping each other out, everyone has to do their role." All three players feel good about their short to mid-range games and how that can impact their on the course efforts this season.

All three golfers have been playing the game for a number of years and have developed a fondness for pros past and present. When asked who they admire in the game of golf, players like Francis Ouimet, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson are all players the new signees try to pattern their respective games after. 

Golf is also one of the more mentally challenging sports. One bad shot, one mishap, and how does a player rebound?

"Each time I walk to a shot, I don't walk too fast. I don't walk too slow." said, Gaydos. 

"Mentally, I'm always thinking about the next shot." said, Ryan.

Interesting to see each of the golfers honing their "Be Greater" mentalities even before they hit their first shot.

The GA golf team will release their schedule for the season soon.