MSU Varsity "S" Club - 2009 Golf Outing Recap

On behalf of the Varsity Alumni “S” Club board members I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s golf outing including the golfers, event sponsors, MSU coaching staff, volunteer student athletes & course workers, and everyone else who helped make the event possible. 

In the last few days the weather forecast looked a little gloomy, but the Spartan faithful showed up in full force, filling the course with 35 teams.  After a few early greetings from coaches Mark Dantonio, Tom Izzo, Jacquie Joseph and Suzy Merchant, everyone took to their carts for the shotgun start and a great day of golfing.  As the morning progressed, the weather held strong with sunny skies mild temperatures, and just enough breeze to keep the temperature very pleasant.

On the 10th hole we had current student-athletes helping with an “additional shot” at the par three green.  Working the hole in the morning was Jack Newman (Golf – 2009 Masters Participant), Bryan Lerg (Hockey – MSU Graduate), and Matt Schepke (Hockey – MSU Graduate).  In the afternoon we had Delvon Roe (Basketball), Kirk Cousins (Football), and Aaron Bates (Football).  I didn’t get a chance to see the afternoon group, but I’m pretty sure Jack Newman was closest to the pin EVERY TIME, and I must admit his swing is A LOT better than mine.

At the dinner program we welcomed current coaches Jake Boss (Baseball), Suzy Merchant (Women’s Basketball), and Harlon Barnett (Football Defensive Backs) who gave coaches reports on the current state of their programs.

The Varsity Alumni “S” Club is also proud to honor this year’s Award Winners and new Honorary Club Members:

2009 Varsity Alumni “S” Club Award Winners

James E. Bibbs (Track Coach) - Lifetime Achievement Award For Retired Coaches

Joe DeLamiellure – Henry C. Bullough Varsity Alumni “S” Service Award

Diane Selke - Nell Jackson Outstanding Alumna Award

Steve Smith – Jack Breslin Life Achievement Award

Kellie Dean – Clarence “Biggie” Munn Extra Effort Award

2009 Varsity Alumni “S” Club Honorary Members

Robert Bao

Jacquie Joseph

David Marvin

Jim Pignataro

Gene Orlando

Tim Staudt

Joseph Thomas

Prize Winners for the day were:

Men’s Foursome:  (14 under 58) Oscar Hahn, Jeff Hahn, Charles Roberts, Bob Waite

Mixed Foursome:  (7 under 65) John Cleveland, Don Joswick, Cheryl Gilliam, Craig McKinnon

Women’s Foursome:  Sue Selke, Diane Selke, Alex Weisner, Dana Daniels

Men’s Long Drive:  Craig McKinnon (approx 312 yds)

Women’s Long Drive:  Kim Cronin (approx 215 yds)

Men’s Closest to The Pin:  Chuck McCallum

Women’s Closest to The Pin:  Shelley Appelbaum

Once again true Spartan Spirit showed that Varsity Alumni “S” events are more than just an opportunity to play a round of golf at Forest Akers.  The events are an opportunity to come together with old and new friends alike, share a story or memory, and enjoy a fellow Spartans friendship.  So, I am happy to report that Spartan Spirit, Camaraderie, and sense of Spartan Family is strong inside the MSU Varsity Alumni “S” Club. 

Thank you all for your support and we hope to see everyone (and more) on course again next year.

Colin Cronin & Mike Vorkapich

2009 Varsity ‘S’ Club Golf Committee Co-Chairs

Jim Szymanski, Kevin Miller, Joe Campbell

2009 Varsity “S” Club Golf Committee