While it is often difficult to sum up an entire season in one word, it can be done for the Penn golf team's fall season. Historic -- there is no other word to describe the Quakers performance. The list of accolades is unmatched by any previous season: two tournament team victories, a first-ever individual medalist, the first trip in years to the ECAC Championships and victories over seven out of eight Ivy League opponents. While all affiliated with the Penn golf program are pleased with the strides made under first-year coach Francis Vaughn, the coach himself still sees room to improve. An Ivy title remains the Quakers' main concern, and Penn will need a strong winter practice season in order to surpass Yale, the only conference squad Penn failed to defeat this fall. "We need to prepare for spring. With our indoor facility, we can work on our putting as well -- certainly our weak link this fall," Vaughn said. "We did make a lot of improvement though. The guys know that." As significant as the Quakers' improvement in team scoring average was Penn's attitude change. "Success breeds success," Penn junior Adam Bradshaw said. "We have more pride, more commitment and more motivation." Vaughn notices a difference as well: "Their expectations have changed. The program is not a cellar-dweller anymore." Bradshaw, like his teammates, knows that while the Quakers have performed well, they have not yet reached their full potential as a team. "Our wins were too close for comfort," Bradshaw said. Even after Penn won its last tournament of the season, the Lehigh Invitational, the Quakers knew they had the capability to run away from their competition. Expectations for a quick turnaround were high with the hiring of of a new coach. While a college coach can do only so much with his players' swings, he can be the key to providing a good team attitude, something Vaughn has surely done. The other Ivy coaches have noticed Penn's rise, and Vaughn is cognizant of his team's new image. "We certainly opened a lot of eyes this year," Vaughn said. "No question about it."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
