Lydon Patascher’s success at Pleasant Valley throughout his high school career can be traced back to an innocent beginning.

“I started getting involved with golf super early in my life,” recalled Patascher. “My dad had a part-time job at a driving range, and I would always be there hitting balls while he was working.”

From there, Patascher’s career developed into a steady and stellar one, so much so, that his consistent play this season earned him his second consecutive Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Golfer of the Year award.

The senior was pleased with his regular season, but admittedly struggled in the postseason this past fall.

Overall, Patascher placed the final touches on a masterpiece four-year career for the Bears that featured four district berths, a state trip, and two Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) First Team honors.

For Patascher, it was a seesaw of a season.

“This past season had a lot of ups and downs for me,” noted Patascher. “I hit about half of my goals that I set before the season started. I played lights out during the regular season, but I fell short in the postseason.”

In the postseason, Patascher finished 15th at the EPC tournament (85), and 10th at the district tournament (82).

Patascher credited his offseason for his regular season success.

“The tournaments during the spring and summer set me up to play my best golf during the high school season,” stressed Patascher. “The high school competition was not as good as some of the national events that I have played.

“This year, I wanted to focus on my mental game. I know that my swing is great and there wasn’t much more I could do to make it better. Getting my mental game down was the most important aspect of my game. I felt pretty confident about it throughout the season even though I had some rough spots.”

Pleasant Valley head coach Steve Krechel reveled in Patascher’s contributions and overall presence the past four years.

“Lydon has been one of the best golfers ever to play for Pleasant Valley,” gushed Krechel. “His work ethic and dedication to his game is like no one before him. His desire to improve his abilities motivates not only himself, but also all those around him.

“My favorite thing about Lydon was that it was never just about him. He enjoyed sharing all of his successes with everyone on the team, and with his coach.”

Krechel also recognized Patascher’s support from his parents.

“He is very fortunate to have parents who love golf,” he added. “They have provided him with many opportunities to foster his abilities.”

Patascher’s father, Dan, has helped him shape his career.

“My dad has been the most influential person in my career for multiple reasons,” said Lydon. “No matter how good or bad I played, he was always there for me and had my back. We’ve butted heads many times throughout my career, but in the end, it was definitely all worth it.”

This season, Patascher enjoyed the time with his freshman brother, Drew, who joined him on the course. The duo combined to win the Wasser Cup this summer.

“It was a fun season playing with him,” Lydon said about his sibling. “Not very often do you get a chance to play on a team with your brother, so it was a very cool experience.

“Winning the Wasser Cup with him has to be the most fun part of the season. We felt like we had a good chance to win coming into it, but I honestly never thought it would happen.”

Another highlight for Patascher was setting a course record at Allentown Municipal Golf Course with his 60, breaking the previous mark of 61 set by legend Arnold Palmer in 1963.

“Without a doubt, that was my best moment of the season,” beamed Patascher. “That day I will never forget.

“Watching the eight to 10 carts with coaches driving down the 15th fairway to finish my last couple of holes is a memory that I will hold onto forever.”

Patascher plans to continue his career next fall at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. And he believes he has found his next challenge.

“I went on multiple college tours, and nothing was really standing out to me,” remembered Patascher. “It was a tough decision, but I believe I picked the right place.

“Rocky is ranked 12th in the nation, so being a part of a team that good will benefit me a ton.”

Patascher likely will play his part as well, just as he did in carving out a tremendous career at Pleasant Valley.