New coach Alles likes Chiefs'
work ethic, willingness to improve

BY ED WRIGHT
Aug. 26, 2010, 12:15 p.m.

  The Canton girls golf team's practice was officially over Wednesday afternoon, but several Chiefs lined the perimeter of the Hilltop Golf Course practice putting green, polishing their form on short chip shots.

  "That's what I like about this team," first-year head coach Tom Alles said, nodding toward the players. "They get here early and stay late to work on their game, to get better.

  "They're very receptive to the things I'm trying to teach them. We spend a lot of time on golf etiquette, the rules and the procedures for playing golf, which are all very important. So far, they've been tremendous as far as listening and incorporating what I tell them into their games."

  Alles, who has coached the Chiefs' boys team for the past 16 years, takes over for longtime coach Dan Riggs, who retired from teaching and coaching this past summer.

  "Coach Alles is very nice; he's doing a great job," said Ariel Alber, one of just two seniors on the roster. "This is a great group of girls. We've been having a lot of fun."

  The Chiefs opened their season Tuesday with a fifth-place showing at the Livonia Franklin Invitational. Among the bright spots were sophomore Katie Adams, who carded a team-low 98; and freshman Kelsey McDougall, who shot a 99 in her first 18-hole round.

  "The player who has been the biggest surprise so far has been Kelsey," said Alles. "She has the lowest scoring average so far in practice rounds, so I'm sure we'll be counting on her a lot in competition."

  Other key players are the team's other senior, Mary Elizabeth Winther; and juniors Paige Osler and Kaylie Lobb.

  Alles is also looking for steady improvement from Kayla Lagola, Shelby Lobb, Rachel Pisano, Chloe Luyet, Erica Song and Alber.

  "Our goal is to win at least half of our matches and win all of our home matches," said Alles.

  Alber noted the Chiefs have a built-in advantage at matches played at Hilltop.

  "There are a lot of hidden spots on this course you don't want to hit into, so playing here every day, we know what to avoid," she said. "We really have a home-course advantage."

  Pictured in the photo above right are (front row from left) Shelby Lobb, Katie Adams, Rachel Pisano, Chloe Luyet, (back row from left) head coach Tom Alles, Kaylie Lobb, Erica Song, Ariel Alber and Kelsey McDougall.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.