Team cooks up cohesive recipe

IU women’s golf coach Clint Wallman and a panel of judges were treated to a taste of teamwork Friday night.

In its fifth annual “Iron Chef” competition, the team was split into three groups to prepare the golfers’ best pasta dishes.

Although each team stood proudly by their meals, Wallman said teamwork was the most important recipe of the night.

“Team chemistry is one of the strongest parts of this unit,” Wallman said as the teams were busy cooking. “If they work hard now, working hard on the golf course won’t be too hard.”

Laughter, smiles and compliments filled the kitchen in the Tudor Room at the Indiana Memorial Union during the hour and 15 minutes each team had to prepare its meal, with mock announcers adding to the fun atmosphere.

The team’s day is usually filled with practice, classes and competitions, so Wallman breaks up the players’ schedules with relaxed activities like Xbox parties. Junior Kellye Belcher said these activities only add to the time they spend with each other.
“We’re like sisters,” Belcher said. “We hang out all the time.”

Belcher said the team gets together for movie nights, chats and schoolwork help.
The teams dressed alike to add a level of unity, and laughter was the No. 1 solution to a kitchen mishap. The cohesive teamwork caught the eyes of the guest judges, including IU football coach Bill Lynch.

“One of the most important things a team has to do is learn to trust one another,” Lynch said. “And these types of activities teach you to do that.”

Lynch said doing activities unrelated to a student’s sport allows them to build team chemistry, an important aspect of any team.

“I don’t think you can replace it,” Lynch said. “This is what all the championship teams talk about.”

Wallman reinforced the importance of unity, saying he sees a huge improvement in the way his team works together through adversity.

The night ended with each team’s meal tasted and graded, and the “Beach Babes” were crowned as champions.  The “Beach Babes” comprised sophomore Cecilia Orevik, junior Laura Nochta and freshman Sara Poppas.

In his final comments of the night, Wallman praised the accomplishments of his team.
“If you guys can do this in an hour and 15 minutes,” Wallman said, “there is nothing you can’t accomplish if you put your mind to it.”