Football Golf Tournament Raises 2013 Funds

The Third Annual SME Football Golf Tournament took place at Swope Park on Friday, June 14 in an effort to support the 2013 football season. The tradition was started three years ago by the Lowe family. This year’s tournament was organized by Gridiron Club Co-Chairs Barry Wooldridge and Eric Englund.

“[The money] goes to a lot of different things they need as a team,” Wooldridge said. “This year there’s more of a need for more equipment and we pay for a lot of the food that they consume because the school can’t provide as much as they need. We kind of fill in the gaps where the school can’t cover everything.”

Players could enter for a starting fee of $125, but larger sponsorship packages were also available for individuals and companies. The larger packages were aimed mainly at companies, who could pay for a foursome and various amounts of advertising around the course. Costs ranged from $1,000 to $10,000 and some companies sponsored but did not send players for the tournament.

In total, there were around 80 golfers at the tournaments. They played in groups of four and the top three teams won awards. There was also a raffle and auction, which included prizes such as gift cards to BRGR and The Tavern, a George Brett signed baseball bats and tickets to Royals and Chiefs games.

The senior football players took part in the event as well, greeting golfers and working at each of the holes on the course. Several other coaches attended to support the team, new head coach Dustin Delaney competed in the event..

“It’s almost like a community event,” Wooldridge said. “It really makes it much more fun for the sponsors when they go to games and see those guys play.”

The overall first place team included David Cohn, Bill Cohn, Bill Wesemann and Eric Englund. Jerry Feldhaus and Mark Cox won Longest Putt, while Joe Simmons and Connor Carollo won Longest Drive. Cary Fox, Andy Epstein and Conner Schrock won Closest to the Pin.

“I would say the event was a huge success,” Wooldridge said. “It was a great experience for everyone.”