In desperate need of a head coach for varsity girls golf, Ceres High athletic director Glenn Driskell turned to Randy Cerny.
"It was a last-minute deal," said Cerny, who teaches six periods of criminal justice and serves as vice principal for adult education night school. "They were in a jam. I've played golf on and off my entire life. My dad got me involved when I was younger. I'm not a great player but I think I can give these young ladies some direction. I'll bring in some experts."
Tryouts were held last week at River Oaks Golf Course.
Cerny and prospective players gathered in the shade under a tree near the practice green on Thursday. He announced when he would finalize his roster.
Arleen Xayasone, Jovi Padilla, Kelli Ahart, Robin White, Elizabeth Nunes, Katie Dominguez, Emily Goulart and Brittany Valadez earned spots on the team.
Xayasone (Jr.), the team's MVP from a season ago, will fill the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.
Padilla (Sr.) split time at No. 2 and 3 in 2009.
Ahart (Sr.), White (Sr.), Nunes (Sr.), Dominguez (Jr.), Goulart (Jr.) and Valadez (Jr.) are first-year players.
"These girls seem to be dedicated and confident," Padilla said. "They have some golf background. We should be competitive."
Said Xayasone: "I want them to learn and have fun playing golf."
Greg Silva, River Oaks golf pro, will provide lessons once a week.
"He's offered to come in every Wednesday afternoon and work with the girls," Cerny said. "Phil de la Porte (former Ceres High athletic director and current assistant girls basketball coach) will also volunteer his expertise."
Ceres High added girls golf to its fall lineup last season following a two-year hiatus.
The Bulldogs posted a 3-11 record in the VOL standings.
Ceres High School will compete in the Western Athletic Conference in 2010. Opponents include Central Valley, Central Catholic, Livingston, Patterson, Los Banos, Pacheco and Kimball.
Six players start and the top four scores count for each team.
Cerny made several guarantees.
"We're going to have fun," he said. "We're going to get better. I think we'll be competitive. We want to do well as a team and send at least one individual to playoffs. We're going to give it our best shot."
Cerny coached Ceres High's girls soccer team for seven seasons. The Bulldogs improved greatly under his guidance.
Arleen, Jovi and their Bulldog teammates appreciate Cerny's sacrifice.
"I didn't know we had a new coach until the last day of summer break," Xayasone said. "He's the best. He has coaching experience with girls. He pushes you to do better."
Added Padilla: "I'm really grateful he volunteered. He's awesome."
"It was a last-minute deal," said Cerny, who teaches six periods of criminal justice and serves as vice principal for adult education night school. "They were in a jam. I've played golf on and off my entire life. My dad got me involved when I was younger. I'm not a great player but I think I can give these young ladies some direction. I'll bring in some experts."
Tryouts were held last week at River Oaks Golf Course.
Cerny and prospective players gathered in the shade under a tree near the practice green on Thursday. He announced when he would finalize his roster.
Arleen Xayasone, Jovi Padilla, Kelli Ahart, Robin White, Elizabeth Nunes, Katie Dominguez, Emily Goulart and Brittany Valadez earned spots on the team.
Xayasone (Jr.), the team's MVP from a season ago, will fill the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.
Padilla (Sr.) split time at No. 2 and 3 in 2009.
Ahart (Sr.), White (Sr.), Nunes (Sr.), Dominguez (Jr.), Goulart (Jr.) and Valadez (Jr.) are first-year players.
"These girls seem to be dedicated and confident," Padilla said. "They have some golf background. We should be competitive."
Said Xayasone: "I want them to learn and have fun playing golf."
Greg Silva, River Oaks golf pro, will provide lessons once a week.
"He's offered to come in every Wednesday afternoon and work with the girls," Cerny said. "Phil de la Porte (former Ceres High athletic director and current assistant girls basketball coach) will also volunteer his expertise."
Ceres High added girls golf to its fall lineup last season following a two-year hiatus.
The Bulldogs posted a 3-11 record in the VOL standings.
Ceres High School will compete in the Western Athletic Conference in 2010. Opponents include Central Valley, Central Catholic, Livingston, Patterson, Los Banos, Pacheco and Kimball.
Six players start and the top four scores count for each team.
Cerny made several guarantees.
"We're going to have fun," he said. "We're going to get better. I think we'll be competitive. We want to do well as a team and send at least one individual to playoffs. We're going to give it our best shot."
Cerny coached Ceres High's girls soccer team for seven seasons. The Bulldogs improved greatly under his guidance.
Arleen, Jovi and their Bulldog teammates appreciate Cerny's sacrifice.
"I didn't know we had a new coach until the last day of summer break," Xayasone said. "He's the best. He has coaching experience with girls. He pushes you to do better."
Added Padilla: "I'm really grateful he volunteered. He's awesome."
