By Lynn Saternow

Herald Sports Editor

WHEN DOM LOMBARDI finished second to his Kennedy Catholic High teammate Mike Klaric at the annual Herald-Tam O’Shanter Junior Golf Championships last summer he was disappointed in the close loss, but spoke on how happy he was for his friend.

That’s when I knew that he was something special as an athlete.

Obviously Gannon University realized the same as they offered Lombardi a scholarship to play golf in their strong NCAA Division II program.

Lombardi, a son of Peter and Anne Lombardi, Brookfield, had a great golf career at Kennedy. He won four letters and was team captain his senior year. He was a 4-time District 10 individual qualifier and was named to the District 10 Region 1 First Team this past year.

“Gannon’s a nice fit for him,” said KC golf coach John Kerins. “They’ve really upgraded their golf program and this gives him great opportunity to play right away.

“There’s no question he’s one of best students we’ve had on our golf team for a long time. So to go to college and further his career, it’s a great opportunity.

“He has really worked hard on his game. From the time he started shooting in the 100s, he developed into one of the all-stars in the Mercer County area. It shows what hard work and dedication can do.”

At Kennedy, Lombardi carries a 4.0 grade-point average and is a member of National Honor Society. He won the American Legion Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership from 2004-06 as well as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and the Zane Gizzi Award.

His extracurricular activities are many, including: Student Council member and treasurer, Students for Charity, Action Club, Spanish Club, SAAD, Key Club, Art Club, Environmental Science Club member and vice-president, Erie Diocesan Senior Youth Rally, Shenango Valley Youth Group and CORE Group.

He attended the Catholic Leadership Institute in 2006 and was a volunteer three times for the To Encounter Christ events. He is a volunteer for Summer Enrichment Program for Handicapped Children of Trumbull County the last four years.

“I’d like to give special thanks to the Kerins family for everything they’ve done for me,” said Lombardi. “And I’d like to thank everyone at Tamie, Yankee Run and Oak Tree for their help. And I owe so much to my parents for everything they’ve done.”

But while Lombardi is a special kind of student-athlete, he’s even more special as a brother. The way he dotes over his sister Julie, who is confined to a wheelchair, tells more about his character than anything.