Team dedicates season to former coach
Team dedicates season to former coach
Each time the Monache High School’s girls golf team steps on a course for a match this season, they’ll be playing in memory of former head coach Anthony “Tony” Grande.
Speaking to Tulare Union at the team’s opening East Yosemite League match, Monache coach Dave Koontz told those in attendance that the Marauders had dedicated the season to Grande who lost a four-year battle with lung cancer on Aug. 31. Koontz said the Marauders were still playing with “heavy hearts” and that Grande’s funeral was on Saturday.
“He was the most positive, most passionate man I think I’ve ever met,” said Koontz. “Never met a man who was so brave in the face of cancer. He never gave up.”
Grande coached the Marauders for 11 years. Last season he led Monache to a 9-0 undefeated EYL record and a third place finish in the CIF Area Tournament.
Before the teams headed out to play, Koontz and the Marauders relayed Grande’s three rules for playing golf — have fun, have fun, and have fun.
Playing without two of their top players, Monache fell 316364 to Tulare Union at River Island Country Club after nine holes. No. 3 Sandra Renteria was the team’s low medalist with a 53.
Other scores for the Marauders were No. 1 Vanessa Mendoza with a 57, No. 2 Danielle Margosian with 62, No. 4 Janelle Camarena with 102 and No. 5 Evelyn Loehner with a 92.
“Its been tough,” said Koontz. “Between the loss of the coach, the fire, the air quality. We haven’t been able to practice much.”
Two weeks ago the Pier Fire began raging over Springville and forced Porterville Unified School District to cancel outdoor practices and games on multiple days throughout the week. The fire is now 60% contained.
“I don’t like excuses
but the girls have been under a lot of stress,” said Koontz.
This was the team’s only game for the week and Koontz hopes that the next few days of practice will help the team improve.
The defending league champions have a tough road ahead of them but Koontz said he plans to keep them upbeat and playing their game.