Glenbard schools just now getting into the game

Monday was a historic day for Glenbard East and Glenbard South.

"You would have thought they won the Masters," Rams coach Scott Miller said.

The schools had just completed the first girls golf dual meet in the four-high school district.

Following years of questions, girls golf is an official sport at three of the four high schools.

"Our superintendent, Dr. (Michael) Meissen, has been very instrumental in increasing participation, especially with the freshman," Miller said.

Glenbard West also launched a girls program this fall, and Glenbard North will make the introduction complete a year from now.

The news has brought universal praise from the Glenbard schools' conference members.

"It's about time," said veteran Hinsdale Central coach Nancy Ahitow. "I remember one year that (Glenbard West) would have won the state championship, but they technically were not a team."

"It's great for the DVC and just for girls sports in general," said Naperville Central coach Jane Thompson. "That just increases the level of competition. We can fill out the conference now."

"When I was in high school, we didn't even have any girls sports," said York coach Barb Tilden, who graduated a year before Title IX legislation was introduced. "I feel very honored to have (Glenbard West)."

Growing pains are inescapable for the new programs, which are scrambling to find open dates for their fledgling outfits.

"(Past data) certainly showed that the interest level had been there in the community," said Kevin Bernier, the new coach at Glenbard South. "Many people used to always ask, 'Hey, why don't we have a girls golf program?' We were all given the go-ahead in May (to construct new programs)."

Sarah Jung, who starred at Hinsdale South and Carthage College, is the new coach at Glenbard West.

"A lot of these girls have never played competitive golf," Jung said. "I want them to understand the game better and have fun while they're doing it. (The players) were really nervous at tryouts."

The three schools each have double-digit team rosters this fall, and the respective coaches have few illusions regarding the pitfalls.

"The challenge of starting a program up from scratch is interesting and cool," Miller said.

"We have of work to do," Bernier said. "We're looking to put a strong foot forward."

The Western Sun Conference does have an official league tournament, but Glenbard South will join forces with former members of the Suburban Prairie for a conference meet.

Glenbard East will play exhibition matches this fall with its league opponents.

"Our conference was real accommodating," Miller said.