Roanoke-Benson High School has brought back its girls' golf program after a two-year interruption, providing a fresh athletic outlet for female students. This revival, primarily driven by student enthusiasm, allows girls, including some newcomers to the sport, to participate in fall athletics.
Senior Reese Norman, who enjoyed playing golf in her freshman year, expressed excitement about the program's return for her final high school season. She, along with her friend Shea Sauder, played a pivotal role in advocating for the program's reinstatement. Their discussion at lunch motivated other students to join, leading their parents to contact school administration. Sauder, trying golf for the first time in her senior year, was influenced by Norman's positive experience and her family's love for the sport. Chad Lemon, the coach of the boys' golf team, has taken on the additional role of leading the girls' team, expressing his passion for helping students develop their skills and apply life lessons learned through the sport.
Even in its early stages, the season has been enjoyable for the team, highlighted by a fun two-person scramble event. Norman, Sauder, and their fellow senior teammates are optimistic that the renewed visibility of the golf program will attract more younger girls in the future, ensuring its continued growth and success. They emphasize the unique blend of individual competition and team camaraderie that golf offers, particularly in regional and sectional tournaments.
The re-establishment of the girls' golf program at Roanoke-Benson High School stands as a testament to student initiative and community support, enriching the school's athletic landscape and empowering young women to pursue new passions. This endeavor fosters not only athletic development but also valuable life skills like teamwork and perseverance.
