College golf may return

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — Mike Haney had something on his mind when he spoke last March during his inception into the Glendale Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Haney, who was inducted for "Outstanding Athletic Achievement," asked those who attended the ceremony to bring back a sport to the college that had been eliminated in 1985 because of budget cuts. The retired Glendale firefighter never forgot about the removal of the college's men's golf team, a squad that he excelled for from 1970-71.

Haney politely took it a step further Thursday during a 45-minute meeting with members of the college's board of trustees — which included Supt./President Audre Levy and Dean of Student Affairs Paul Schlossman— about bringing back the men's program and starting a women's program in 2007.

"There's a passion for college and golf," said Haney, who helped the Vaqueros win Western State Conference championships in 1970 and 1971 under Coach Bill Reinhard, before competing on the prestigious USC golf team. "During my speech, I challenged the college to bring back the golf program because golf is a lifetime sport.

"There are so many golfers from the area high schools who can't go on to four-year schools. But they can play at a junior college. There's a need and it would be fantastic."

Should the programs be established, the women's team would be expected to compete in the fall and the men's squad would participate in the spring.

Veteran Glendale College Athletic Director Jim Sartoris said the teams would compete in the six-team Western State Conference, with the likes of powerhouse College of the Canyons.

Haney, who attended Glendale High, said the college's foundation has raised around $13,000. Union Bank of California also made a donation.

Sartoris said the cost for equipment would be nominal since most golfers already own bags and clubs.

The college will start a support group to cover start-up costs for both programs and continue financial support.

Several issues still need to be addressed before the college can field the teams, including where the Vaqueros would compete and the hiring of a coach.

Haney said Glendale College would likely play its home matches at Oakmont Country Club. The college has also inquired about possibly playing its matches at La Cañada Country Club, a private course, and Pasadena-based Brookside Golf Course at minimal costs.

The search for a coach is ongoing, said Sartoris, who would prefer that the new coach direct both programs.

To be eligible to compete for either team, the athlete must be a full-time student taking at least 12 units.

The golf class offered at the college is 2 1/2 units and would apply to the full-course load. There would be no age limit to compete on the respective teams.

The addition of the programs would give the college eight men's and women's teams.

Haney said having two golf teams at Glendale College would be paramount.

"It was here at Glendale College that gave me a foundation for everything I've done," Haney said. "I think we can attract a lot of students — men and women — if the sport came back."