Nieter Stepping Away From Golf Program
Warsaw coach Ben Barkey has kind words to say about assistant coach
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
“When you look at the people who have contributed to the Warsaw boys golf program....Bob Turner, Joe Harris, Denny Hepler....how do you not put Tad Nieter in that group?” Barkey said in a phone conversation Monday afternoon.
“What he did as a player, what he’s done as an assistant coach, he’s meant so much to the program,” continued Barkey.
Nieter, a former standout player at both WCHS and Grace College, has stepped down as Barkey’s assistant, a position he held since graduating from WCHS in 2007.
“I’ve been the head coach for 11 years, and Tad has been right there with me for 10 years,” said Barkey. “My first year, Tad was an 8th grader, and then he was a fixture in the program every year after that. He was a big part of our 2005 state championship team as a player, and then as soon as he graduated he joined the coaching staff. I can’t put into words what he’s meant to the program.”
Nieter was a sophomore on Warsaw’s team that won the team state championship in 2005.
As a senior two years later, Nieter finished tied for seventh in the state finals as an individual.
“He was cool and calm as a player,” Barkey said of Nieter. “He brought the same approach to the coaching staff. He knows the game of golf, and he related to the kids so well. He and I had a great relationship. I wouldn’t have known when I first saw him as an 8th grader that he’d help us win a state championship, become my assistant and also become a life-long friend. It’s sad to see him step away from the program, but I’ll still get to see him everyday at work. And he’s focusing now on his craft as an educator. He represents the school system in a first-class manner.”
Barkey and Nieter are both teachers at Washington STEM Academy.
As for a new assistant, Barkey said he had someone in mind but had to get it approved by the school board.
“We aim to be champions on and off the course,” said Barkey. “Our next assistant will be just like Tad. It’ll be someone who represents the school system and the community in a first-class manner.”[[In-content Ad]]
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“When you look at the people who have contributed to the Warsaw boys golf program....Bob Turner, Joe Harris, Denny Hepler....how do you not put Tad Nieter in that group?” Barkey said in a phone conversation Monday afternoon.
“What he did as a player, what he’s done as an assistant coach, he’s meant so much to the program,” continued Barkey.
Nieter, a former standout player at both WCHS and Grace College, has stepped down as Barkey’s assistant, a position he held since graduating from WCHS in 2007.
“I’ve been the head coach for 11 years, and Tad has been right there with me for 10 years,” said Barkey. “My first year, Tad was an 8th grader, and then he was a fixture in the program every year after that. He was a big part of our 2005 state championship team as a player, and then as soon as he graduated he joined the coaching staff. I can’t put into words what he’s meant to the program.”
Nieter was a sophomore on Warsaw’s team that won the team state championship in 2005.
As a senior two years later, Nieter finished tied for seventh in the state finals as an individual.
“He was cool and calm as a player,” Barkey said of Nieter. “He brought the same approach to the coaching staff. He knows the game of golf, and he related to the kids so well. He and I had a great relationship. I wouldn’t have known when I first saw him as an 8th grader that he’d help us win a state championship, become my assistant and also become a life-long friend. It’s sad to see him step away from the program, but I’ll still get to see him everyday at work. And he’s focusing now on his craft as an educator. He represents the school system in a first-class manner.”
Barkey and Nieter are both teachers at Washington STEM Academy.
As for a new assistant, Barkey said he had someone in mind but had to get it approved by the school board.
“We aim to be champions on and off the course,” said Barkey. “Our next assistant will be just like Tad. It’ll be someone who represents the school system and the community in a first-class manner.”[[In-content Ad]]
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