By James Costello, Plymouth Pilot News
8/13/2008
Coaching girls golf is taking some getting used to for Jack Carpenter.
The Triton boys golf head coach took the reins from former Lady Trojans coach Ruthie McCollough this year, and the personnel change has required some adjustment for both Carpenter and his golfers. Fortunately, both seem to be making the transition well.
“The girls are fantastic; they have a very good attitude,” said Carpenter. “I was worried about being too competitive with the boys teams I’ve had... It’s a different mindset we’re trying to get across, but they’ve been really receptive.”
The Trojans return a core of four senior golfers to lead the team this season. Returning in the No. 1 position for Triton is Bethany Shively, while last year’s No. 3 Kelsey Bessinger and No. 5 golfer Peggy Nifong also rejoin the team. Also returning for the 2008 season is senior Renee Baker and sophomore Olivia Reichert. New to the team this year are sophomores Aubrey Boardman and Emily Duff.
“What we’ve set for them is last year their nine-hole average was around 230, so our goal is to be better than that,” Carpenter said. “Shively has some skills. With some work I’ve got a feeling she should be solid."
“They’re pretty athletic girls, and they’ve actually picked this up really well. There are so many things I need to teach them like course management and shot selection... I think we can cut five to 10 shots off easy just if they’ll listen.”
In addition to a new coach the Trojans get a new home course this year. Carpenter shifted the team’s headquarters from Tri-Way Golf Course to the boys’ home course at Rozella Ford Golf Club. He hopes the increased difficulty will sharpen his golfers’ skills as the season progresses.
“They have better facilities and it’s a tougher course, so that should help,” Carpenter said.
While Triton gets a new look this year, things remain much the same for John Glenn.
Seniors LeAnne Bope and Jamie Bostic return from playing the No. 2 and 4 positions for Glenn last season, while the Falcons retain their 2007 low shooter in junior Emily Jaske as well. Along with returning senior Bostic, freshman Jessica Bostic joins Glenn golf this year, as do Amanda Schmeltz and Mary Miller.
The Falcons will miss last season’s No. 3 and 5 golfers in Sammi Coday and Lucy Kiefer, but the team’s reported hard work over the summer should help cut some strokes on the links this fall.
“They’re good about practicing,” said Glenn girls golf assistant coach Mike Mulcahy. “A lot of them came out in the summer and played on their own.”
LaVille kicked off its season with a dual meet Tuesday at home at Sprig O’ Mint. The Lancers are out last season’s No. 1 Bailey Wagner, but Anna Boits and Chelsea Whiteman rejoin the team in the No. 2 and 3 positions respectively. Filling in in the final two spots in 2008 are Steph Wright and Sarah Laidig.
Culver Girls Academy also lost its No. 1 in Jill Eelman, a regional qualifier last year. Since students won’t start arriving at the boarding school until next week, the team lineup is still up in the air.
“My number one, Jill Eelman, will be a big loss,” said head coach Fred Haase. “She averaged in the high 80’s, finished second in the sectional, and qualified for the regional as an individual. I’m not aware of any new girls coming in, so it will be difficult to measure up to last year’s performance.”
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| IHSAA - GIRLS GOLF |
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First team
Allyse Kotso
Chesterton senior
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