Alumni and friends raise more than $4,000 for student-athletes at the 10th Annual Beaver Golf Classic
Story and photos by Marc Glass, June 2019
The late-’90s alumni foursome of Ryan Lowe ’97, Jon Moody ’98, Ben Morey ’97, and Mark Wallace ’96 may have won the 10th Annual Beaver Golf Classic held this year at Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn. But it’s safe to say that UMF Athletics got the ultimate prize on Saturday, June 8, when 72 alumni and friends raised more than $4,000 to support the success of the University’s student-athletes.
The 2019 winning foursome of Jon Moody ’98, Ben Morey ’97, Mark Wallace ’96, and Ryan Lowe ’97 paused for a photo at the 2018 tournament before teeing off on the 10th hole.
Sponsored by B.A.S.S.A. (Beaver Alum Supporting Student Athletes), the 2019 tournament was organized by James McCaskill ’02, who took over this year from B.A.S.S.A. founder and president Todd Chamberlain ’03. Once again, those who turned out to play 18 holes in support of UMF Athletics had a shot at a raft of prizes, including Red Sox and Sea Dogs tickets; four-player passes to Fox Ridge, Nonesuch, and Spring Meadows golf courses; libations courtesy of Flight Deck Brewing Co., as well as Bissell Brothers Brewing and Tumbledown Brewing Co. (both UMF Alumni-owned breweries) — and, for one lucky striker — a chance to collect $1 million for sinking a hole-in-one from 165 yards.
James McCaskill ’02 organized the 2019 Beaver Golf Classic and hit closest to the pin at Fox Ridge Golf Course in Auburn.
Chamberlain, who led the effort to incorporate B.A.S.S.A. as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization last year, says the annual tournament remains distinctive due to its openness.
“You don’t have to be a graduate of UMF or have a child that went to UMF. If you enjoy golf or just want to get out and have a good time, we welcome you,” says Chamberlain. “The tournament wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for the support of alumni, faculty, students, families, and friends who attend every year. It’s great to see the number of alumni and friends that use the Beaver Golf classic as their annual social gathering. It’s become a mini-reunion among lifelong friends and teammates.”
Todd Chamberlain ’03 led the incorporation of B.A.S.S.A. as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization last year.
With the tournament held at Fox Ridge for a second consecutive year, McCaskill and Chamberlain have found a supportive alumni partner in Jerry Diphilippo ’86, the course’s head golf professional.
“Given that Jerry is a UMF alum, he does what’s needed to ensure that the event is a great success. Most notably, he turns the entire course over to his fellow alumni on a Saturday morning and into the afternoon, which has been instrumental in driving up attendance,” says Chamberlain. “There’s a lot of work that goes into planning the Beaver Golf Classic. Jerry and his team are the unsung heroes of the event.”
Chamberlain ’03 says Jerry Diphilippo ’86, head golf professional at Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, has been an “unsung hero” of the Beaver Golf Classic.
This year’s second-place foursome was composed of Cindy Pratt, head coach of UMF Field Hockey; Scott Pratt; Michelle Leclair; and T.J. Leclair. Chamberlain ’03, McCaskill ’02, Keith Lincoln, and Jeff Meinhart ’03 claimed third place. Ben Morey ’97 and Kat McKay, head coach of UMF Softball, hit the longest drives of the day. McCaskill ’02 and Kiana Thompson ’18 hit closest-to-pin.
Kat McKay, head coach of UMF Softball (left), hit the longest drive among all women, while her former player Kiana Thompson ’18 hit closest to the pin.
While open to all, the tournament traditionally draws large numbers of alumni who played varsity sports at UMF, especially those coached by Bob Leib, former head coach of men’s and women’s soccer.
“He was the inspiration in founding B.A.S.S.A.,” says Chamberlain who played for Leib. “I know for many, our greatest memories during college were being out there on the field with our teammates and Coach. It was those moments that fueled us then and continue to do so today.”
Cyndi Pratt, Head Coach of UMF Field Hockey, delights in dropping a long putt on the 18th hole, while her husband and teammate, Scott, cheers her on. The Pratts and teammates Michelle Leclair and T.J. Leclair were the runner-up foursome at the 2019 Beaver Golf Classic.
A common sight at the annual Beaver Golf Classic. “Rain or shine, we always have a good time,” says B.A.S.S.A. founder and president Chamberlain ’03.
Justin Groshon ’04 has no complaints about how he played the 8th hole at Fox Ridge Golf Club.
Darren Shiers ’83, David Wedge ’84, John Falacci ’83, and Tim Rice ’88 pause for a group shot before teeing off on the 10th hole.