The idea of Marathon High School resurrecting a golf team was merely a wish seven years ago. More than two dozen athletes and their family packed the Florida Keys Country Club for the team’s end-of-season banquet this October.
Head coach Mary Coleman-Sayer commented, “We had one of the most successful golf seasons in my four years as a coach.” I’m really pleased with the progress the players made over the season. This year, Leo Mendez and Mason Thornton had fantastic senior campaigns, and I’m really happy of the effort and commitment they put out in the offseason to support a number of team victories.
With the help of the Florida Keys Country Club and the Dolphin Golf Club, which assistant coach Stan Haines built, a sport that would normally be prohibitively expensive has been able to flourish in the Middle Keys.
Even for practice outside of scheduled team events, team golfers wearing Marathon High School attire now have almost limitless free access to FKCC facilities, a unique perk that MHS golfers are more than glad to take advantage of. Haines, who was recently appointed general manager of the country club, calculated that the team would otherwise receive more than $100,000 in donated practice and match time on the course each year.
Additionally, the Dolphin Golf Club automatically awards a $1,000 scholarship to each graduating senior golfer in addition to providing uniforms, equipment, and financing for excursions, such as trips to the mainland to train with South Florida golf experts.
Haines remarked, “The growth is unbelievable.” In the first year, we had about six members; in the second year, we had thirteen; in the third year, we had eighteen or nineteen; and this year, we had twenty-eight.
He stated that (Coleman-Sayer) had revived golf’s appeal. Her mannerisms are largely to blame, and she has some excellent assistant instructors. Dave Rodriguez hasn’t missed two practices in four years, I believe. Mike Leonard is similar to the team’s granddad.
Our program wouldn’t be expanding as consistently as it is now without the community’s support, Coleman-Sayer said. I would like to express my gratitude to Key Colony’s par 3, FKCC, and all of the players and coaches that volunteered.
Images by Keys Weekly/PATTI CHILDRESS
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