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Editor, News-Register:
Congratulations to the Wheeling Park High School and Wheeling Central Catholic High School golf teams who both won their respective class (AAA and A) state championships this week as well as WPHS senior Gavin Goodrich and WCCHS senior Justin Doerr who took home medalist honors. It was extra special to see The Intelligencer's Thursday photo where both teams were posed together, arms locked around one trophy. This image of unity between these two schools is unique, but the sport of golf is unique. High school golf doesn't have the following or support that other sports receive and unlike other team sports there is significant pressure on the individual. Matches often come down to the player against the course and this week that course was our own Jones Course at Oglebay Park.
It seems fitting that both squads captured crowns on their home course, for in my opinion without Oglebay there may be no state championships. Oglebay has hosted the state tournament every year since 2002 and others around the state can not compete with what Oglebay offers. Most others are unwilling to close their courses for three days and in fact, Oglabay closes two courses (Crispin) in order to accommodate the demand for spectator golf carts. But even more significant is the long-standing commitment to our community's youth that Oglebay has demonstrated decade after decade. Golf is considered by most as an elite sport, only accessible by a privileged few. Yet, since the days of Caddy Camp, through its relationship with the LPGA Tour and its programmatic offerings via its Junior Golf program, Oglebay disagrees. Oglebay has created an inclusive and accessible environment for our community's youth golfers that is nearly free of cost.
During the spring and summer of 2020, in the height of the pandemic, our children were stuck inside, attending school virtually and feeling depressed. As parents our hearts ached and concerns grew that this may be the reality this generation was facing for years to come. However, golf, which is outside and naturally socially-distanced, was open for business at Oglebay and the boys of these two teams were taking advantage of it, every day. Indeed, the benefits of this sport helped to balance the challenges that COVID-19 presented to this group. Consider the challenges this generation faced before and now beyond the pandemic, and the overwhelming pressures presented to our youth through platforms like social media -- they can not be comprehended by those in prior generations. Golf provides a pathway to a much simpler world for these kids. It allows them to spend hours each day outside, with nature. Its rules and traditions teach lessons in honesty and integrity. There is a spirit of camaraderie between opponents. It often groups young and old and provides a natural connection to mentorship and guidance. It is tremendously humbling and hard work is often rewarded. If you think about it, golf is an analogy for life. The great Bobby Jones agrees:
"Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots -- but you have to play the ball where it lies."
And so on this Oglebayfest weekend, we say thank you Oglebay Park. Thank you for your commitment to the youth of this community. You are more than a beautiful home to recreation and fun. You are a support entity for the growth and nurturing of the next generation of this great Valley. Thank you to the leadership and vision of people like Danny Ackerman, Bob Peckinpaugh, Eriks Janelsisns, Karen Wailalae, Randy Worls and more. You all should feel a sense of pride and some ownership in the success of these two great teams. Kuddos.
Jason Koegler
Wheeling