Tiger Woods isn’t the only scandal in golf this year- with school back in session, our girls golf team is swinging into a new season- but the very beginning of their season started with a scare!
“After our first meet, we all thought we had done pretty well, but they told us we had lost by one stroke! We were pretty disappointed because it was such a close one- until the next day, when we got a call from the meet coordinators,” said Olivia Loetterle, a senior golfer.
The call informed the team that there had been a miscount and they had actually won by a big lead of thirty six points. The beginning mishap has boded well for the Tigers, who have been in the top three of all their six meets so far.
“We’ve been doing a lot better than other years, and we think things are looking good for state- at least we hope, because we’ve already reserved hotel rooms!” said Loetterle.
The golfers have room to be confident in their team because they’ve really amped up their practices and schedule to become contenders in this year’s state championships. The girls shoot nine holes every Tuesday and Thursday and practice from 4:00 to 6:00 every day. Coach Tim Canady is in his second year, and they say it has definitely changed the dynamic of the team.
“We goof around a lot less- sometimes it’s less fun than in my freshman and sophomore years, but it has been worth it. We work a lot harder, but it’s made us better as a team and you can see it in the results we’ve had so far!” Loetterle said.
Not all the fun and games have been taken out of the sport for Loetterle and the other golfers though, because she says her favorite part is getting to know her fellow golfers.
“It’s really kind of a good way to get to know people- you’re with them everyday, so you kind of have to I guess, but it’s always fun. We have team dinners together every Thursday at Murphy’s and you start to become friends on and off the green!” Olivia said.
Each meet 5 girls golf for varsity, but there’s not a set “varsity team” so they compete for a spot each week. Since there’s so much room for change, they’re kind of pitted against each other to get to compete each week but Loetterle says it’s not much of an issue.
“We all just try to do our best each week- some weeks are better than others, but you’ll always have the chance to improve your score next time even if you don’t get to play at that meet,” she said.
The friendly atmosphere of girls golf is also welcoming to newcomers, like senior Lauren Licking. Licking transferred here from Norfolk this year, but she is an old hand at golfing.
“Even though this is her first year on our team it’s great to have her because she’s become one of our best players!” said Loetterle.
This team is off to a great start and is ready to take on all the things a new season throws their way- whether it be a new coach, new players, or a calculation malfunction. So come out and support them as they keep chipping their way to the state title!
