SHU golf teams welcome change

The men’s and women’s golf teams, although suffering from lack of numbers, show steady improvement for Seton Hill University’s (SHU) sixth existing season. For the women, a step in a new direction comes from the most recent head coach, Carolyn Thompson. This is her first year with the Griffins; she coached the 2008 fall season and continues to lead the women for their spring matches. The men’s team, which has been under the direction of head coach Brian Carroll for three years, will not be continuing as an offical sport at SHU after the spring season is played out, but will continue on as a club team due to the lack of money available.

By Anne Williams

Staff Writer

The men’s and women’s golf teams, although suffering from lack of numbers, show steady improvement for Seton Hill University’s (SHU) sixth existing season. For the women, a step in a new direction comes from the most recent head coach, Carolyn Thompson. This is her first year with the Griffins; she coached the 2008 fall season and continues to lead the women for their spring matches. The men’s team, which has been under the direction of head coach Brian Carroll for three years, will not be continuing as an offical sport at SHU after the spring season is played out, but will continue on as a club team due to the lack of money available.

The women’s golf team has four current members: Jenna Petrini, a junior, Juliana Cox, a sophomore, Jessie Krehlik, a freshman and Setonian staff member, and Keya Joseph also a freshman who is not yet competing. Coach Thompson has recrutied two promising upcoming freshman for the 2009-2010 season next fall that will not only add to the roster, but provide skill and experience to the team.

With small numbers, the girls have many opportunities to practice and the advantage of receiving individual attention. Thompson is preparing the women for a tough season next fall by having a more demanding spring season and practice schedule. Since the team did not have a designated home course for the fall season, practice takes place at Mount Odin Golf Course in Greensburg, in open space areas around campus, and in the McKenna aerobics room when weather interferes.The practice schedule includes individual sessions during the week, at least one round of golf per week, and several hours at the driving range or on campus. A net used for chipping and hitting purposes was put up in McKenna to allow the women a chance to practice when the weather interferes.

When practicing, concentration and patience are two things that are important. Thompson is working towards getting lower individual scores so that they can become a tougher competition. Besides the strive for improvement, the women have dedicated much of their time towards the sport and each other. Krehlik said, “One of our strengths is probably the support we give each other. Without that support, I don’t think we could even begin to be successful.”

The women’s team has a lot ahead of them. In order to play as a team at least four women are needed to compete. Because they only have three current competitors, they have to play as individuals rather than a team. The fall brought along competition from St. Vincent and the women hosted the “SHU Fall Classic” at Hannastown Golf Club where they finished 5th. Most of the tournaments played are two days long and are often played on Sunday and Monday afternoons. The Griffins first spring tounrment will be played in Charleston, West Virginia at Big Bend. It is the West Virginia State Invitational. After that, the Griffins can expect five more tournaments to be played up until the April 24 WVIAC Women’s Championship.

The men’s golf team also has a roster of only six remaining members. Two seniors lead the team, Jordan Woy and Dave Haynes, along with junior Jordan House, Josh Guthrie, and Dustin Patrizi, followed by freshman Drew Kreigline. This fall, being their best overall season, the men particiapted in the WVIAC Regional and Championship tournaments as well playing in tournaments at St. Vincent, Vulcan, and Southern Regional Invitationals. This spring, being their last active season, the Griffins will participate in two, two day tournaments; the WVIAC Northern Regional and the Indiana, Pa Invitational on April 4 and 5 as well as the 13 and 14.

Jordan Woy, a two year player and senior, said, “I’ve really enjoyed my experience on the team. It’s a great group of guys every year and everyone really put in the time and effort to make this past fall season what is was.” As far as a practice regime goes, the team is expected to get 36 holes per week and turn in their cards. They will do the same to help prepare for the spring tournaments.”

Another team member, senior Dustin Patrizi, also had good things to say about the still existing program.

“It has been an honor to be part of the golf team for the last four years. Our coach has done a great job of sticking with us every step of the way. In the last season, our scores improved dramatically and we have bonded as a team rather than six individuals.”
As both teams prepare for their spring play, they look at the past as a chance to improve and take the steps to bettering themselves as National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes.