SPEEDWAY, Ind.—For the first time in six years, Speedway High School has a full girls golf team.
It got started when Geoffrey Mahan at Wheeler Elementary shared his love of golf with his elementary students and started an after-school program that is affiliated with the First Tee of Indiana and Indiana Golf.
Over the years, that elementary golf program grew to 56 students in grades three through six.
Three years ago, Speedway Schools formed a girls team at the junior high level. Before that, the girls played on the boys' team against other boys.
Mahan took over the girls junior high program last year and led them to seven undefeated matches.
“Four of those members, off the squad that had 12 girls, now make up 80% of the varsity team,” said Mahan.
Mahan said having the first full golf team in six years is important for many reasons.
“First and foremost, it gives these young ladies an opportunity to be a member of a team,” said Mahan. “I also think that with the LPGA event hosted at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course and the generosity that the Brickyard extends to our teams, that it is a perfect match. Head Pro, Jeff Williams, has been very generous of his time and facilities and we are blessed to call the Brickyard home.”
Mahan said he’s thrilled to be a part of it all.
“With the current numbers at the elementary level, I believe we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg for girls golf in Speedway,” said Mahan. “It is and has been solely about growing the game that I enjoy.”
The first season is off to a great start.
Speedway competed in the Indiana Crossroads Conference on Tuesday, August 28 at Deer Creek Golf Course.
Junior Lindsey Lidy received the honor of All-Conference, tying for 5th place.
“She is super excited to have a team this year,” said Michelle Lidy, Lindsey’s mother. “For the last two years, she has represented Speedway High School as an individual golfer. She is thrilled to be able to play at her home course at the Brickyard too.”
Here’s a look at the girls’ golf team schedule for the rest of the season:
- 9/5 at the Brickyard at 4:30 pm with Monrovia and Decatur
- 9/6 at 4:30 pm also at the Brickyard with Triton Central
- 9/10 at 4:30 pm at the Brickyard with Beech Grove and Cascade
- 9/14 is their first ever Sectionals match at South Grove Golf course at 9 am
Speedway Schools Athletic Director Brian Avery says they are excited to field a team again this year.
“With a solid foundation of younger girls, it appears our future is bright in being able to have student-athletes represent Speedway in this arena,” said Avery. “The girls have battled some really hot weather this fall, and I'm sure are looking forward to cooler temperatures and state tournament play. We feel very fortunate to have a world class facility the girls can utilize.”
Avery credited Jeff Williams and his staff at The Brickyard as extremely supportive of their team’s efforts.
“They truly care about our schools and community,” said Avery.
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