By: Brian Dessart
For the past couple of years, girls' sports have been on the rise throughout Nassau County. East Rockaway and Lynbrook High Schools, during the past sports season, started one of the first girls golf teams,consisting of eight girls from the two joining towns.
The team, coached by East Rockaway resident Debi Kienke, saw light -- the
light to break into the sports world and join the ranks of the other major
sports currently being played by women, such as lacrosse and softball.
"The whole idea behind getting this team started was because of the
Nassau County Golf Coaches Association. They were trying to begin girls' golf
in Nassau County, being Suffolk already had girls teams up and running"
Kienke said, "and the mashing of the two schools [East Rockaway and Lynbrook] together was wonderful. The girls worked together, helped each other, and truly became teammates."
They began their quest on the cold spring days, at the beginning
of the season, practicing at the Spring Rock Driving Range in New Hyde Park.
Here they were given a chance to grow as a team.
As soon as the weather broke, it was time for the girls to head out to
themselves twice a week. This was a great way for the girls of this newly formed team to prepare for the two invitational tournaments that a handful of them would be chosen to compete in.
"The girls who participate in the invitational tournaments are
probably the top girl golfers in Nassau County," Kienke said.
The first of the two invitational tournaments, sponsored by Friends
Academy High School, was played at the Plandome Country Club. Rose Moser
from East Rockaway High School tied for eighth place.
Moser's success on the course continued in the 2nd Invitational
Tournament, this one hosted by the Lynbrook/East Rockaway team, at Lido
Golf Course. Moser, who was one of the four players from the East
Rockaway/Lynbrook team chosen to compete, placed sixth out of 21 girls from
Nassau County who participated in the match.
Moser's accomplishments did not stop there. She was selected to receive
the Metropolitan PGA Scholarship, which will be presented to her at the Buick
Classic Dinner at the Westchester Country Club.
"Rose has worked hard for many years to become the successful golfer that
she is," Kienke said.
As the future lies ahead for this newly formed team, they should be
looked upon for the way they changed history, the way that they made the
uncertain certain. This team is another fine addition to the continually
expanding world of women's athletics.
Brian Dessart is a freelance writer for The Herald.
