Building a Winning Tradition

 

In a short 10-year span, Lakota West has developed one of the area’s top prep golf programs

 

By Mike Dyer

 

The Lakota West girls’ golf program didn’t become successful just by happenstance.

Since the team started in 1997 when the Lakota district split into two high schools, the Firebirds haven’t finished lower than fourth at the sectional tournament. At the district tournament, Lakota West hasn’t finished lower than sixth. So when Lakota West won the state title in 2006, it was a tribute to the achievements several players had left with the program at the school.

 

“The girls’ golf program has been a model of consistency throughout the years,” Lakota West athletic director Gerry Weisgerber says.

 

Before the Lakota district split, girls’ golf had already emerged on the scene locally in the mid-1980s with Lakota High School.

 

In 1985, Bev Lyon, who was a math teacher at the high school, took the position as girls’ golf coach. The ’85 squad was 14-1 and won the two tournaments it played in during that year, according to Lakota school district historian Bob Ashby. In 1986, Lakota went 13-0 and won the first state coaches’ tournament. In 1987 and 88, Lakota went undefeated including the state coaches’ tournament. Lakota’s 61-win streak was stopped in 1989, but was mentioned in Sports Illustrated, adds Ashby.

 

Lyon, who was the first female inducted into the Ohio Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988, credited her players for their achievements during her coaching career. She was inducted into the Lakota School district hall of fame in 2006.

 

“Their determination and education,” Lyon said. “They were willing to practice a lot.”

 

The Ohio High School Athletic Association sanctioned the sport in 1993 and Lakota won the inaugural Greater Miami Conference tournament. In 1995, Lakota qualified for the OHSAA state championship and finished fifth. Lyon led the Firebirds to a fourth-place finish at state in the 2000 and 2001 seasons. She retired from teaching in June 2002.

 

It was that foundation which has led Lakota West to the recent success of today.

 

In 2002, current coach Tim Lambert took over the program and led the Firebirds to a fourth-place finish at district.

 

 “I’m real pleased with Tim and how he handles the kids,” said Lyon, who still follows the team. “He keeps improving the program.”

 

In 2003, the Firebirds qualified for state and finished 11^th. The Firebirds haven’t finished lower than sixth at state since that season.

 

“Coach Lambert is an outstanding instructor who not only is great at teaching technique, but the mental approach of the game as well,” Weisgerber said.

 

In 2006, Lakota West won the state title after it was first at sectional, district and the GMC.

 

“The first time (at state) it was somewhat intimidating,” Lambert said. “It was kind of like a zoo, it was a lot colder - it’s just a different environment. Either you rise up and do well or you are struggle a little bit.”

 

This fall, the Firebirds were third at state and were 11-0 during the regular season. Each fall the Firebirds stick to a strict checklist of business as they prepare for the golf course in Columbus.

 

Lambert said it was an emotional parting after the state tournament this fall because the four top seniors will graduate this year. Lakota West finished 55-0 in match play with those players.

 

Rachel Nelson (158) finished eighth at state, while seniors Marissa Steen (163), Lauren Ellerman (166) and Kaitlyn Fienning (183) also helped contribute to the third-place finish. Freshman Ashley Jeffers shot 182.

 

“I’m excited that I was able to help influence four young women to be successful in whatever they do,” Lambert said of the seniors.