WESTFIELD – The 10th annual Owl Club Golf Tournament raised $20,000 to support Westfield State University’s varsity athletics program on Monday, August 1 at the Ranch Golf Club.
A large field of 140 players included the tournament’s guest of honor, Westfield Bank President and CEO Jim Hagan, who is a member of the University’s board of trustees and has been active with numerous fundraising efforts, including co-chairing the Access to Excellence campaign that helped to equip the Woodward Center Field House and classrooms and with Hagan Field.
“We had another great day out on the golf course,” said Westfield State director of athletics Richard Lenfest. “The tournament has become a signature event on our calendar and it was wonderful to have a chance to recognize Jim Hagan for all of the support he lends to our program. The tournament is an important fundraiser for us, and it was great see so many alumni, sponsors, local officials and friends, as well as parents come out to help us provide great programs for our student-athletes.”
Westfield Bank was lead sponsor of the tournament, with additional lead sponsorships from Barnes and Noble College Bookstore, Whalley Computer Associates, College Hype Screenprinting and Embroidery.
The team consisting of Westfield State women’s golf coach Jim Blascak, Gabe Crane ’05, Mark Jemilo ’11, and Ryan Hines ’04 repeated as the tournament champions with a 17-under par 55. Second place went to the foursome of Randy Minde ’05, Marty Pelosi, Mike Martino, and Jason Roy, who decisioned the third place group led by Owls women’s lacrosse coach Jeff Pechulis on a match of cards with both teams turning in 15-under par 57s. Pechulis teamed with Vin DiStefano, Peter Clark and Ray Sullivan.
Minde won the putting contest as well. Jemilo claimed the long drive as well as the closest to the pin on 16 to give his team an eagle putt. Mary Regan won the women’s long drive. Tyler Ditmar earned closest to the pin on the 5th, Mike Tirrell was closest to the pin on 12, and Steve Marino ’71 was closest to the pin on 17.
Players again enjoyed the Oasis, sponsored by Pepsi and Commercial Distributing, as well as the “Greatest Hole in Golf History” on the 16th, which featured an air-conditioned tee box and hospitality from Don Q rum.
Players enjoyed a BBQ lunch before the round, and a steak and chicken buffet dinner after the round. Friendly’s sponsored ice cream. A sports memorabilia auction silent auction was conducted in conjunction with the Westfield Boys and Girls Club.
Other sponsors included Mayor Brian Sullivan, Delay’s Market, the MIAA, Bertini’s Restaurant of Salem, Women’s Basketball Alumnae, Vantage Sports and Rehab, Rankin Rentals, Dr. Jonathan Fallon and Cooley-Dickinson Sports Medicine, Specialty Bolt and Screw, Custom Identity Apparel, Boathouse, All Star Car and Truck Rental, Advantage Fitness Products, Ricky’s Porta Pottys, Amaral Soccer, Stadium Systems, and Bradford Builders. – Courtesy of Westfield State University
For photos of the event and the foursomes, visit: https://westfieldstateimages.smugmug.com/Departments/Athletics/Owl-Club-Golf-Tournament-2016
