After struggling to get girls to come out for the Varsity Golf team, the addition of JV Coach Gretchen Gabler has re-sparked the interest in the game.
Varsity Golf Coach Terry Kelley was very grateful to the new athletic director, Mike Watson, for re-establishing the JV coaching position. ‘We’re sure in a short time it is going to pay off,? he said.
Coach Gabler was thrilled for the opportunity to coach the JV team. ‘The girls have more opportunites to compete against other schools, which is going to make the Varsity better,? said Gabler.
Seventeen girls came out for the golf teams this year; nine will play for JV and eight will make the Varsity Squad.
‘At the JV level, were not so concerned about the wins and losses, so I have encouraged our coach to play them in as many matches as she possibliy can win, lose, or draw,? said Coach Kelley. ‘We want them to be getting good experience and not so concerned about wins and losses? he said.
‘I want them to have a full grasp of the game and its rules,? said Gabler. ‘I want them to play with integrity and do the best they can.?
With the addition of the JV program, Coach Kelley is excited about the possibility of having a sustainable varsity program for the future.
‘It gives us three years to develop skilled players and leaders.?
He hopes that the Seniors will use their knowledge of the course and its rules and etiquette to help the younger girls along.
This year’s Varsity team consists of five Seniors, Anna Tomaka, Sara Decker, Taylor Holtshouser, Kate Wolanin and Susan Reynolds.
Kelley is going to look to these ladies to provide consistent scoring and help turn the program around after last year’s eighth place finish in the Flint Metro League.
The starting spots for each match are wide open. ‘Every practice session and every match is competition and they have to earn their way into the starting six,? said Kelley.
Sophomore Hannah Beebe also looks to make her mark on this team this year.
‘She wants to be the best golfer wherever she goes,? said Kelley.
Kelley is looking forward to working with the girls this year.
‘The girls are wonderful to work with and are very motivated and there is some athleticism there that is going to pay off as the season unfolds,? said Kelley.
They competed in tune-up matches against 21 other teams at Lapeer Country Club on Friday, August 21, finishing 20th out of 22 teams.
‘It was a little higher than expected,? said Coach Kelley.
The team shot a total of 464 during the 18-hole event. Anna Tomaka led the girls with a 113, followed by Hannah Beebe’s 116, Sara Decker’s 117 and Susan Reynold’s 118.
Their next match will be Thursday, August 27 against Imaly City at Oxford Hills.