Michigan Golf Journal November 2020

Girls High School Finals Girls High School Golf Successfully Navigates a Covid Year By Tom Lang Big Ten Conference could learn a lesson from them Editor’s Note: a similar version of this story first ran in the Detroit Free Press on Oct. 18. EAST LANSING – At least four girls golf teams are thrilled that Covid-19 did not eliminate their 2020 fall season, as reactions to the virus has seriously altered sports at many levels across the country. Golf was one of the first sports announced this summer by the MHSAA to be played despite the shuttering of school buildings and delays for high school football and the like – and golf completed a relatively normal season Oct. 17 at Forest Akers East and West courses at Michigan State. Four team champions were crowned but done so under several new rules and protocols. Northville won its third straight Division 1 title; South Lyon took the Div. 2 championship for its first time; defending champ Birmingham Marian won again in Div. 3 and Montague took home its first Div. 4 state championship. “I’m just so appreciative to have been able to get this season in,” said Dan Skatzka, head coach at South Lyon. “I feel so bad for so many teams that weren’t able to in the spring. We’re very fortunate to have gotten it in and not have any issues all along.” He added that his team was very focused on staying to themselves and not getting sick, because they knew the entire season could end if there was Covid-19 detected on the team. “We had that hanging over us this year in addition to the usual things, so I’m very thankful,” Skatzka said. Forest Hills Northern senior Lilia Henkle, Div. 2 T3, with D2 state runner up Katherine Potter of South Lyon looking on. Continues on next page >>