By JASON BOSTIC
It was a gathering of who’s who in local Fredericktown sports, along with parents, local supporters, and even a few guests from the collegiate level in support of the Willie Davis Youth Football League on Saturday. Guests arrived at the Chapel Hill Golf Course, west of Mount Vernon not only to benefit the youth football league, but to reminisce about old times.
The $65 fee per golfer included the cart, 18 holes, beverages, and a steak dinner as the day came to a close.
Over 120 participants came out to golf, in the largest fundraiser for the league that has been going on for the past ten years, said Brad Mast.
As the lunchtime came to an end, Jim Davis stood to speak for several minutes about the beginnings of the league and just what its affect has been on the local sports and athletes.
“Success at the high school level is a direct result of youth programs like these,” Davis stated. “Ten years ago, a group of us got together to help revive it to where it was when we played.”
“We don’t go to our community for any of our fundraising, outside of the $35 registration fee per athlete ($50 for two), we support this league through contributions from alumni and great supporters of these programs,” said Davis.
As Davis’ comments came to an end, he introduced the new Fredericktown High School Head Football Coach Brian Baum.
“Growing up, I was light years ahead of the other kids because I played three years of football before getting into junior high,” said Coach Baum. “Let the kids have fun with this, teach them the fundamentals, in junior high they learn more, and by the time they get to high school they are ready to hit the ground running.”
“Thank you for the support that you give to the high school programs. I’ve been here since May, and every time I go downtown I end up talking to someone about football,” said Coach Baum. “This is an energetic town about their high school program, and I have inherited a great team.”
“Youth coaches, if you need anything, see me, see us (our coaches), we’ll sit down and do whatever we need to do, I want to keep this blend together between the youth program, the junior high, and clear up to the high school.”
The day of events concluded by announcing the award winners and drawing for prizes.
The winning team, shooting 17 under-par, was Jeremy Werner, Thomas Ruffner, Jay Ruffner, and Andy Marsell. Longest Drive on hole #2 was Jeff Muncie. Closest to the pin on hole #3 was Tom Craze. Longest putt on hole #9 was Merritt Zollars. Longest drive on hole #14 was Greg Cane. Closest to the pin on hole #16 was John Green. Longest putt on hole #18 was Ed Connell.
