The Saint Vincent men's golf team has been invited to participate in The First Tee of Pittsburgh, and organization devoted to influencing the lives of young people through teaching golf and the life lessons it imparts.

The Bearcats have been providing clinics for underpriveleged youth at the Latrobe Elks Golf Course for The First Tee, which represents the World Golf Foundation's nationwide initiative aimed at teaching youth to respect themselves, respect others, and respect their environment.

Thus far, sixteen young people, referred by the Westmoreland County Juvenile Probation Office, have participated in the clinics hosted by the Bearcats.  The participants have included young women and minorities.

"I require my varsity golfers to help with each session," said Bearcat head coach Dr. Tom Cline, "and they have eagerly complied."

The Bearcats impart a number of core values to those who take part in the clinics, including responsibility, sportsmanship, perseverance, confidence, judgment, honestly, respect, courtesy, and integrity, helping to make the kids better students, friends, and citizens.

The First Tee of Pittsburgh's honorary chairman is golf legend and Latrobe resident Arnold Palmer, while Tiger Woods is also involved with the program on a national level.

According to Cline, the program has been very well received in the area.

"Thanks to my Saint Vincent golfers," Cline said, "I am delighted to report that Gary Brichter, the director of marketing for The First Tee, indicated that our sessions have been among the best he has experienced.

"I hope we can continue working with The First Tee next year, as well."