By Don Rush

When Oxford High School’s varsity girls golf team hits the links this coming season, it will mark Grethen Gabler’s 16th season as coach. Last season, however, was a special one for her. Earlier in the month, she was presented with the D1 Regional Coach of the Year award.

“I am very humbled to serve the young girls in our community, it is because of them and the support we receive that empowers our success and this award,” she said. “I am very blessed to spend time with the young women of Oxford and share my love of golf and life with them. The support I receive from our school, community and family have helped me build the Oxford Girls Golf program into a competitive program in the area.”

And, the area she said, is very competitive when it comes to girls’ high school golf. “Six of the top 18 teams in the state play in our region, including the 2023 state champion Rochester Adams Highlanders,” she said.

The award is voted on by coaches in the D1 Regional which was hosted by Metamora Golf and Country Club this past October, with Rochester finishing first. “We finished in fifth place. Our Captain, Ellie Gieselman, was in an exciting playoff to qualify to move forward as an individual but the bounce didn’t go her way that time. Our team is very seasoned and talented. We look to have a winning season and make Oxford proud.”

To be considered as Coach of the Year some of the criteria includes, “Coach must represent the game of golf, their school, team, and community with the highest degree of honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. Coach should be a positive influence and role model for their team . . . . it is not about the wins but about the influence that a coach is having on their players and program that make them a great choice for Coach of the Year.”

The award ceremony was held August 1 at Bucks Run Golf Club in Mt Pleasant. It was attended by girls and boys coaches from across the state.