By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

When the Kent Roosevelt varsity girls golf team turned in their scores in Tuesday’s match against Brecksville, it was more important than just a victory.

It marked the 150th win for head coach Bryan Harvey.

Harvey, who is in his 13th season, has been with the program since its beginning — except one year when Larry Picicco, longtime assistant coach and close friend of Harvey, was the varsity coach.

“It was special to get the 150th win at Twin Lakes, with this group of girls,” Harvey said. “It was great to have the
school administration and many parents there. It was also great to have coach Picicco there. He has always been a big part of this team’s success.”

The successful program has stood behind the mantra “a tradition of excellence,” sending numerous girls to the state tournament, winning tournaments and following many girls continuing to collegiate golf programs.

On Tuesday, the tradition of winning continued as Roosevelet topped Brecksville 188 to 198.

Ashlyn Leavery led the way, firing a 40 at the Fairways at Twin Lakes. Adrianna Mineo shot 48, Cassidy Singer 50, Coco Golden 50, Kaila Kovalyn 47 and Brooke Beatty 50.

Following the victory, parents, golfers and fans gathered to celebrate the coach’s milestone including a cake, photos and many congratulations for the longevity of pride the program has created. He was also presented a shirt with the 150 wins designated.

Coach Harvey is responsible for not only 150 victories, but also creating an Instructional Junior Girls Golf League that has helped the program stay strong and suggesting the creation of the Portage County Kids Amateur as he wanted the girls to be able to play and be recognized under the Amateurs umbrella in their first tournament.

A retired teacher from Kent Roosevelt, the coach has continued to grow the program each year and expect only the best of the athletes he coaches.

The 150 wins is only one milestone in an outstanding girls golf program that year-after-year is one of the best in Ohio.

“Milestones like this always make me think of themany great players we have had during the last 15 years and their commitment to our ‘Tradition of Excellence’ that has become an expectation.

“Finally, I could not have achieved this milestone without the support of my wife and family,” Harvey added. “They know this a passion of mine and sacrifice a lot to enable the program to be as good as it has been.”