By Nelson Coffin
nelson@iaamsports.com
IND golf coach Andy Schram is, like many of his colleagues, a teaching coach.
In his case, there’s plenty of instructions needed for a group of players who are learning the game as they go from a veteran golfer.
The former Seton Keough coach said that he thoroughly enjoys being charged with mentoring a team he calls “coachable and enthusiastic.”
With seven sophomores and a freshman, it’s hardly surprising that the Penguins have dropped their first two matches of the season to B Conference rivals Garrison Forest and Mercy.
“We had some nerves on the first tee,” Schram said about the 3-0 setback to the Grizzlies. “And that’s perfectly normal.”
At this point, Schram intimated that he’s not as worried about results as he is about teaching the girls about what he calls “the greatest game in the world,” and one that they can play their entire lives.
Getting players who know very little about golf to try out for the team can be a challenge, he admitted.
“In the spring, you’re going up against softball and lacrosse,” he said. “And at IND, badminton is also a very popular spring sport.”
Schram said that some players recruited other students to give the game a try.
So far, the team has Olivia Chrest playing in the No. 1 slot with Mackenzie Lewis at No. 2.
Carlene Phillander hold down the No. 3 position with Milena Clark at No. 4, Zaniya Lewis at No. 5 and Raechel Bauer at No. 6.
“I think teams like playing us, because we are good sportswomen,” Schram added.
He said that the Penguins practice at Clifton and Carroll parks, Fox Hollow and Pine Ridge golf courses in the Timonium area, at local driving ranges and inside the gym in inclement weather.
“It’s a challenging game,” he said after facing Garrison Forest on a cool and windy day. “We practice in bad weather sometimes, so we might as well play in it, too.”