Hendrix now leading Lady Miner golfers

The 2009 Linton-Stockton High School girls golf team (from left) includes Sarah Hensley, Kristen Riggleman, Ashley Tibbett and Katie Wells. Not pictured are Olivia Wells and Darcy Andis. (By B.J. Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

Hendrix was an assistant coach for the girls basketball squad lin 2008-09.

"Last year was the first year that I coached and I have taught at Linton the past two years," said Hendrix, a graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School and Franklin College. "I was asked to coach the girls and I am happy to have this opportunity.

"I do play as much golf as possible although I have never played on or coached a golf team. The girls will be learning, but I also will be learning a lot too."

Girls golf is the one sport that doesn't have a requirement by the Indiana High School Athletic Association for the minimum number of practices before starting to compete against other teams, Hendrix said.

The Lady Miners will open the season today at the Edgewood Mustang Invitational at Cascades Golf Course in Bloomington.

"We have just been able to have a couple of practices," said Hendrix. "We got very little done Tuesday before the storm hit and I sent the girls home.

"I am trying to get to know the girls and they are getting to know me. I know a couple of them from basketball. But to be honest, I really don't know as much about them as golfers as I will after I see them play in a couple of matches."

The roster includes seniors Olivia Wells and Kristen Riggleman; juniors Ashley Tibbett and Sarah Hensley; and freshmen Katie Wells and Darcy Andis.

Wells, Riggleman, Tibbett and Hensley have all played previously and all but Hensley played basketball.

"It will good to have experience," said Hendrix. "Our juniors and seniors know what to expect at this level.

"Katie has played in the past, but this is the first time for Darcy. The girls alll have different skill levels and will be making individual progress."

The Lady Miner schedule will be different this season as they will no longer participate in the Providence Invitational, Mooresville Invitational and Jasper Invitational.

"Even without those tournaments, the girls will be playing a lot of golf in a very short period of time," said Hendrix. "The season is very quick.

"Almost as soon as we get started, then we have to get ready for the sectional in late September."

The Lady Miners won one dual match last year and Hendrix said he would like to improve on that number

"We should have some leadership with this group of girls," he said. "We have talked about golf etiquette and how to deal with other players and pace of play.

"Hopefully the girls will improve and learn more about the game of golf."

Linton-Stockton

Girls Golf Roster

Name Gr.

Kristen Riggleman 12

Olivia Wells 12

Ashley Tibbett 11

Sarah Hensley 11

Katie Wells 9

Darcy Andis 9

Coach: Chaz Hendrix (first season).