There are some impressive names on the Westmoreland County Junior Amateur trophy.
They include amateur Nick Turowski, pro Palmer Jackson, pro Mark Goetz and pro Will Wears. Recent Norwin graduate Preston Stoner can add his name to the list.
Stoner won the junior tournament Wednesday at Latrobe Country Club by shooting a 1-under-par 71 to edge Latrobe’s Jack Sacriponte, who shot an even-par 72 and missed by inches a tying birdie on No. 18.
“Winning this is big,” Stoner said. “I always had a decent game, but I could never connect the dots and I finally did it.
“Being on a trophy with all those big names is huge. It means a lot. There are a lot of great players who have had really good collegiate careers and even pros now.”
Stoner credits his short game for his success Wednesday. It is something the Clarion commit has been working to improve.
Tournament director Bob Allshouse said Stoner came out of nowhere as freshman to finish in contention.
“He did not play well the past two years,” Allshouse said. “He came back strong this year, that is for sure.”
Said Stoner: “Before, I’d either go long or leave my chips short. It is the big reason I won. I am looking forward to college.”
Kiski Area’s Max Mottura finished third with a 2-over 74, and teammate Caden Witt was fourth with a 77.
Belle Vernon’s Jordan Mocello and Landon Stoner, Preston’s brother, each shot a 78. Penn-Trafford’s Owen Szekely had a 79, and Latrobe’s Jack Ridilla was next with an 80.
The 13-15 age group winner was Latrobe’s Nate Meeder with an 84. Latrobe’s Amos McConahey and Kiski Area’s Brady Jankowski tied for second at 89.
Kiski Area edged Latrobe for the team title 233-236.