By Larry Moko
When Emily Haldenby graduates from Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School this spring she plans to pursue her passion for golf.
That opportunity became a reality this week thanks to the golf scholarship she agreed to accept from West Virginia-based Fairmont State University.
The Falcons, as they are known, compete as an NCAA Division II entry in the Mountain East Conference.
"I didn't start golf until I was in Grade 8 or 9," Haldenby said during signing ceremonies at the BR gym Wednesday.
"I'd like to thank my parents, Mr. Francis (BR wrestling coach Sheldon Francis) and of course my golf coaches for getting me to where I am today. They supported and believed in me every step of the way."
Haldenby went for an official visit to Fairmont in October. While there, she teed it up with some members of the golf team, spoke to head coach Rick Johnson and, according to the young Canadian, everything seemed to "click."
"I knew that's where I wanted to go," she said.
Haldenby competed on the Hamilton-Halton Junior Golf Tour this past summer, finishing fourth. She took part in some of the Maple Leaf Junior Tour events, as well, before helping the Celtics repeat as Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic girls' team golf champions.
Haldenby didn't participate in the Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference tournament this year, however, due to a back injury suffered in a car accident.
"It was the day before GHAC," Haldenby recalled. "I was driving home from school and I got rear ended when turning onto my street."
Therefore, she was denied a shot at qualifying for the provincial high school championships.
"That was disappointing," Haldenby's father, Brian said. "She couldn't swing for about 30 days."
Hockey was Haldenby's main sport until she traded a stick for golf clubs when COVID-19 struck.
"I truly had a passion for it," she said of her initial reaction to golf.
According to Brian, his daughter has dropped about 10 strokes a year.
"That's a good path to be on," he said. "She practises a lot at golf courses, ranges and at home. We have a net in the back yard and she hits golf balls constantly."
Last winter in Oakville, Haldenby trained indoors once a week with her private golf coach, Nick Kenny.
"We're excited for Emily," Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic golf convenor Giuseppe Pontillo said. "She's the first female from Bishop Ryan to receive a golf scholarship. I'm sure there will be other ones in the future, as well."
Another BR grad -- Johnny Travale -- also received a golf scholarship in 2017 from Kent State University. He later transferred to University of Central Florida before turning pro.
Although she still loves wrestling, Haldenby and her father felt it would be a smart move to transition away from that high school sport to avoid possible injury. They discussed the matter with coach Francis.
"We asked Mr. Francis if he could not let her wrestle but still be part of the team," Brian said. "He's been amazing."
Francis said he and Haldenby faced the challenges of injuries and eligibility together over the past four years.
"She was able to grow through those experiences," the veteran wrestling coach said. "It helps with her mental toughness and resilience as she goes forward on to the golf course."
Although Haldenby isn't competing as a wrestler with the Celtics this season, she's still lifting in the weight room with the team in the morning. Then, in the afternoon at practice, she often provides guidance to some of the first-year athletes and smaller females on the squad.
Said Francis: "She's a phenomenal athlete. She was able to be part of the team all four years and was a great contributor. We would have loved for Emily to wrestle with us more on a steady basis. But golf is her sport."
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
