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For some parents, grooming their child into a “star” athlete seems to be the college investment plan. All good coaches want to develop players to reach their full potentials, but fostering an ultra-competitive atmosphere is counterproductive. At least that’s the philosophy of i9 Sports, the newest addition to the many organizations offering youth sports programs in the Fishers/Geist area.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/7GkLzBbh9vc" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]“It’s really striving to create a positive, inclusive environment for all the kids,” said Eric Rhiver, who purchased an i9 franchise last year to serve the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.

Rhiver has been involved in youth sports locally and in Michigan for more than a decade, as a member of the Fishers Youth Soccer Board and heading up the volleyball program at Holy Spirit at Geist. He was drawn to the i9 program because of its emphasis on good sportsmanship.

The name i9 comes from the nine “I”s of the organization’s mission statement: imaginative, innovative, interactive, integrity-driven, impassioned, inspirational, instructional, insightful and inclusive. Making sure everyone gets equal playing time keeps all of the kids interested in the game, Rhiver said.

I9 offers traditional sports like soccer and basketball but also features more unusual sports like flag football and mini-volleyball, a smaller form of volleyball which makes the game more user-friendly for children. The popular i9 flag football league is the only one in the area for kids up to age 14. The good thing about the sport is that there are no scholarships for flag football, Rhiver jokes, so everyone involved can just have fun without the pressure.

“It’s very exciting for everyone,” he says. “They’re competing, but it’s a controlled environment.”

Rhiver says he likes to partner with other organizations who are “like-minded” when it comes to promoting integrity on and off the field. That’s why he runs many of his programs at Horizon Christian School, off of 79th Street near Fall Creek Road.

The Spring flag football league ends June 16, but a Summer flag football camp will be offered July 16-20 at Sahm Park in Castleton for ages 5-14. It’s being run by ex-NFL player Curtis Chambers, who formerly played for the San Diego Chargers.

Rhiver will be running a soccer camp at Sahm the same week for boys and girls ages 5-11, and HSE Cheerleader Heather Harmon will lead a cheerleading camp for girls ages 7-11. All of the summer camps are $90.

Tom Slyder, the head men’s basketball coach at Anderson University, will be running a basketball camp July 9-12 at Horizon for boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades. Rhiver is also hoping to set up a camp with former WNBA player Joy Harris.

When asked how he gathered so much talent for his coaching staff, Rhiver simply says, “Somebody’s looking out for me… Somebody’s guiding this thing for me.”

I9 is also offering an outdoor summer volleyball league, which will meet on Thursday evenings from June 21 to Aug. 2 at Horizon. The cost to participate is $70 for kids ages 7-16. For more information on these and other programs offered by i9 Sports, visit www.i9sports.com.
Photos and video by Brenda Staples, Brenda@atGeist.com.

And that’s exactly what the Hamilton Southeastern sophomore told i9 Sports Owner Eric Rhiver when he asked her to coach cheerleading this spring.

”’I’m only 16; Are you sure you want me?’” she recalls telling Rhiver. “He said, ‘I know you can do it,’ and I said, ‘OK.’”

Now Harmon is among the most popular coaches at i9. She leads five girls – ages 7 to 12 – in cheering for flag football teams every Saturday at Horizon Christian School. The girls just love Coach Heather, Rhiver said. He had so much confidence in the young teen because she’s not the typical “cheerleader type.” Rhiver wanted someone who would be a good role model for the aspiring cheerleaders and who worked well with children.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/eOvTa4giruY" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Heather, who was a cheerleader for the Royals’ JV girls basketball team this year, fit that ideal.

“People instantly like her,” Rhiver said. “She’s just a very sweet young lady.”

Heather has a passion for working with kids. During the school year, she wakes up well before sunrise to lead Campus Life groups for students at Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers Junior High schools. The meetings start at 6:30 a.m. – an hour before school – and include donuts, games and small group discussions about issues such as peer pressure and living a Christian life. Heather meets with other Campus Life volunteers and staff members weekly to plan activities for the 40-50 kids who show up at each school every week.

“I’m a very kid-oriented person. I come from a big family,” said Heather, who is one of seven children, ages 7 to 19.
As school winds down for the summer, Heather will still be working with children. She’s trying to raise $1,300 to go on a mission trip with Northeast Community Church to Jamaica, where she plans to do light construction work at an orphanage. She went to the same location last summer, and she can’t wait to visit the children who captured her heart.

“For two days, I worked with kids who don’t have a family,” Heather recalls. “They would ask me, ‘When you go home, do you have a mom?’”

In fact, Heather does have a mom who is very proud of her daughter’s desire to help others.

“To be almost 17 years old, I’m pretty proud of her,” said Gina Fornefeld of Brookston Place. “I know she makes the right choices.”

Gina says she knew Heather was special when she fell 30 feet from a third-floor apartment balcony at age 4 and immediately got up to find her mother.

“She said, ‘Don’t worry, Mom, I’m OK; an angel caught me,” Gina recalls. The family wasn’t going to church at the time and didn’t talk about angels. Although Heather broke both arms, there were no life-threatening injuries from the terrible fall.

Rhiver is a friend of Heather’s father, Jon Harmon, and has had many opportunities over the years to witness how much Heather cares for kids – whether it be her own siblings or children she’s never met before. He’s never regretted hiring a 16-year-old coach. In fact, Heather will be heading up an i9 Sports cheerleading camp this summer at Sahm Park the week of July 16-20.

“The girls make it so much fun,” Heather said. “They’re willing to do anything. They’re all enthusiastic and excited to be there.”

Clearly, Heather Harmon is, too!

Photos and video by Brenda Staples, Brenda@atGeist.com.

Fishers High School also has its first state champion in Jackie Barber who won High Individual Honors Overall in the Reason Division and in the Placing Division.

The Mulligan Tour is in its 3rd Season and growing. This year we are concentrating on building our Womens Division. Our concept is simply, “relaxing; yet, competitive” environment. Our members simply enjoy the game of golf, but, as all of us do, want a good excuse to play various courses with a purpose to play their best and win $$ and/or prizes. Our #1 rule is “leave egos in the parking lot”. Encouraging each other and perceived fairness is of upmost importance. Below are some major points of our Tour and you can find our schedule further down the page.
Hope you can join us this Season and feel free to contact us with questions and/or concerns!

Greg Gibson – Chapter Owner
mulligantour_indy@insightbb.com

$39 New Member Registration
$116 for Foursome! (@ $29 each)
$59 Couples 2 for 1
(couples must have same permanent residence)

Please contact us via email if you wish to register a foursome.
(membership package includes $10 off coupon for any one event)

* No Pros or Asst Pros
* Events vary between Saturdays and Sundays. (see schedule)
* Relaxing; yet, competitive spirit!
* No handicap required or limited. One will be provided.
* Men and Women Divisions! Couples receive 2 for 1, @ $59, ALL SEASON! (married or single, but must have same permanent residence)
* Closest to Pin on ALL Par 3s and 2 Longest Drives (front and back 9)! ($20 cash per award – average of $140 available)
* $5 of each player’s event fee goes to event placing awards and $2 goes towards Chapter Final.

* WIN $$
* Play only 4 events to qualify for the Chapter Final!
* Now in our 3rd Season…and growing stronger! Meet new friends, network, and win Cash / Prizes!!

Up to 3 Free Customized Wedges from Warrior Custom Golf for NEW Members! $74-219 value. (shipping only)

Free Customized M3 I-Brid Hybrid from Magique Golf for Renewing Members!
by June 1st for ONLY $39!
or $116 for Foursome!
Must be a Tour Member to play in Events.
*Gift Certificates may be substituted in order to maintain Amateur Status.

Testimonials
The Mulligan Tour is an inexpensive way to keep my golf game competitive. I feel that I take the game a lot more serious when there is something to play for. I urge anyone who is on the fence about joining to seriously consider signing up and giving it a chance. You will find it to be well worth it to play with a great group of guys and ladies. See you on the Course. – R. Barrett

“The Mulligan Tour is a great way to get started in tournament golf. The competition is fun but friendly, and everyone has a chance to win with the handicapping and prize system. I have enjoyed the company of good people and who all share a love for the game on the Mulligan Tour. Greg Gibson brings 110% commitment to improving the Indianapolis Chapter each season. And maybe best of all for my busy life, I never have to worry about making a weekend tee time. – J. Frazier

Where else can you play a different course every week with
a group of people who enjoy the game and know it’s more than just winning. – M. Sidwell

The Muligan Tour has given me the great opportunity to play golf at a great selection of different courses each weekend. Mostly it’s a chance to get out and meet some new friends that probably would never happened if not for the Mulligan Tour.

Thanks Greg and looking forward to hitting the links with everyone this season. – P. Wiktorski

I met with Mark Tamm who, along with J. Scott Burton, owns the facility that houses seven courts under one roof. The facility is well planned, smoothly run and sponsored! Check out the website at www.thefieldhouse.com and check out what The Fieldhouse has to offer.

In talking with Mark, he definitely wanted people to know that they are not competing with the other programs in the area and would like to be an additional resource for not only learning skills but also an enthusiasm for the game. The kids’ league is a great experience as far as sportsmanship in that the overall feel of the arena teaches them to deal with the sport and the attitude within the sport. Basketball is a great team sport and I think one of the fundamentals that kids need to learn early is a healthy attitude toward the game and others. Why not do this in a positive and structured environment where everyone wants the best for you as a player.

With their recent addition of the Little Dribblers, there is something for all girls and boys ages four and up. The youngest group offers skill instruction / game experience. They have a custom playing surface built atop the offices with goals that are 6 ft. tall versus the 8 ft. goals that are on the main floor. This spot is perfect for this age group as the court isn’t so big and intimidating like some of the other courts in the Fieldhouse would be for a child. The area is complete with basketballs just the right size for their smaller hands too!

The next level is for players in grades 2-8 with a focus on a little more competitiveness than recreational ball. Coaches are certified and work toward player development.

Check out the great holiday camps for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The sessions are Dec. 27, 28 & 29 or Jan. 3, 4 &5. Various times are offered for different ages so be sure to check online, call or stop by.

All of the officials that manage the games are IHSAA licensed referees so that the game stays on a fair level for all players.

Anyone who wants to play above this level is more than welcome. They have a variety of leagues for women and men in different skill levels. (Just ask my husband about this who said he was definitely in the wrong group!)You can be any age and enjoy getting out on a court and running the ball, stopping for a three now and again and finishing with a dunk, a hook, or in my case a lay-up.

The Fieldhouse is home to the Hoosier Boys Basketball League, Hoosier Girls Basketball League, Indiana Grassroots Basketball, USSSA State Championships, and the United States Basketball Federation National Championships.

So, come check out The Fieldhouse, shoot some hoops and listen to some string music!

The Fieldhouse
www.thefieldhouse.com
317-842-2255
11825 Technology Drive (behind SuperTarget in Fishers)

Schulte had a pretty impressive and busy summer on the links, taking second in sudden death at the PGA Professional National Championship at Atunyote Golf Club in Vernona, NY in June. This performance qualified him for a spot in the 88th PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in August, alongside pros like Tiger Woods (who went on to win it), Phil Mickelson and many other household names in golf. While Schulte didn’t make the cut after the first two rounds in Medinah, he reflected on how much he enjoyed just being there and being able to experience all of it. “It was an incredible amount of fun just to be in it. The practice rounds were an experience I will never forget,” he said. He was paired with Steve Lowery from Alabama and Richard Green of Australia for the tournament, and he remembers how it was hard not to get worked up over the whole experience: “To tee it up, see those lines of people down each side and the grandstands, that’s when you realize this is a huge, huge deal.”

Schulte was born and raised in Oneonta, an upper, rural area of New York. Growing up in a country setting, Alan believes, significantly shaped his ability to concentrate, focus and challenge himself. He enjoyed sports and remembers having to proactively find things to do to make life interesting as a kid. “My brothers and I made an 18-hole chipping course and three greens in our yard. We just lowered the blade on the lawnmower and did it,” he said. “It helped to be rural, you have to create things on your own more. I was able to focus, there weren’t a lot of distractions around me.” This experience laid the foundation for the introspective, self-challenging and centered mindset that makes him a true pro in the sport of golf today.

In high school, Schulte’s graduating class was just 34 kids. He was the only golfer in the entire school, so there was no team to speak of, he was basically it. One of his teachers wrote a letter to the state high school association requesting Schulte be able to participate in the state high school tournament as an independent. Fortunately he was allowed to do so, and from there his golf career got its start. He participated in various tournaments throughout high school and won the New York State Junior Amateur Championship in 1980. This opened the door to landing a partial scholarship at Old Dominion in Norfolk, VA where he went to college. Going to a small college also proved to be a pivotal experience for him since he always got to play. “It was the perfect school for me,” he remembered. “I got to play right away and travel with the team, so I improved all along the way.”

After college, Schulte worked at courses in New York and Florida working his way up through tournaments while further developing his skill. He remembers a few influential people he encountered along the way that helped his game, mostly through honest advice and playing. He heard “you’re going nowhere with that swing” one day from now long time friend and fellow PGA member Joe Andron. Andron coached Schulte in Florida everyday in the winters and never accepted a dime. “I’ve been fortunate to be around people that like to play and who want to pass that opportunity on to others,” he reflected. Schulte now passes on his knowledge having experienced that gift passed on to him.

Playing and enjoying it is what Schulte has spent his years doing, and it’s the advice he has for young aspiring golfers and parents, thereof, “Get them out playing,” he said. “Lessons can be too serious. Let them want to do it, let them learn to love it.” When you’re having fun, you perform better.” Sage advice coming from someone who truly enjoys the game and has built a career on it.

So how did Schulte get to Fishers after New York, Florida, and a few other stops along the way? He became acquainted with Indianapolis through visiting a college roommate who was a golf pro here. He liked it here and moved to Fishers in 1991 and has been here ever since. He worked at Hillcrest Country Club before coming over the Hawthorn Country Club in Hamilton Proper five years ago where he works currently.

In talking about where he is today in his career, and how he ‘stays the course’ year after year, he explains, “Playing, building up my ability, and shutting out all the rest.” His biggest accomplishment? “You never forget the experience of playing in the PGA.”

So what’s next for Alan Schulte? While he doesn’t profess to have a master plan, he wants to continue to pass on what he’s learned to others, and, of course, strive to qualify for Regionals and the U.S. Open. In staying true to that focus that’s brought him much success, and peace of mind, he said he plans to take it “one day at a time.”