After a long 40 years, the Warren Central boys golf team of 1983 was recognized again in fall 2023. They were the first and the last boys Warren Central golf team to go to state and win and bring back the “big dub.” One of the players who was part of that team is on the current Warren coaching staff as the boys’ and girls’ golf coach, Coach Stephen Crumlin.
“At half time the 1983 boys golf team was announced for 40 years since the last time Warren went to state,” Crumlin said.
As the current golf team heads towards their post-season, 1983 team members offered some advice to the current golfers to get them back on their way to claim the old title.
“It is okay to be nervous,” Crumlin said. “Just don't let it be your downfall in your match. Don't let the competition get the best of you and don't be in your own head.”
They also said that a good relationship is important to have between the team, because then players have other people to rely on.
“Don't put stress on yourself,” Greg Smith said. “Even though it is a singular sport you are not alone out on the putting green.”
Smith and the others said that athletes should have their own character. It helps make them a better player and to never give up on their goals, whatever they are in the sport.
“Golf is a very good sport and not as easy as many think,” Greg Smith said.
Smith wants young athletes who are going through hard times to understand the bigger picture and be ready to get out of their comfort zone.
“Don't be afraid to make new friends and connections,” Smith said. “That's all high school golf is really about.”
As a team, athletes sometimes never expect to go as far as they do, and one year they may go further than the last.
That's how Rick Spilker was feeling when his team won. Even though he was only the assistant coach, he was still equally as proud to say he coached the team and be there for them.
“I wasn't expecting to win state that year,” Spilker said. “We ranked around 13th place in the state. These were just a bunch of ordinary kids that we enjoyed working with.”
Even though Warren boys golf has not won state in 40 years, this year they are ranked 17th in the state, and they are trying to push back towards where they used to be – or even better.