30th Annual Lake State Golf Classic

Jul 11, 2019

Lake State Golf Classic B Flight Champions pictured above from left to right are David Ladd of Kelley Cawthorne, Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU President, Dr. Shane Woolever of War Memorial Hospital, and Tim Lukenda, LSSU Board of Trustees Member

The 30th annual Lake State Golf Classic in support of the Lake Superior State University Foundation Development Fund and Laker Athletics was held Friday, June 14th at Wild Bluff Golf Course. Including this year’s net proceeds, over $620,000 has been raised in support of the University and its students. LSSU would like to thank all sponsors, companies, and individuals for their generosity and making the event a resounding success. 

A highlight of the event was the induction of Dr. Shane Woolever of War Memorial Hospital into the Lake State Golf Classic’s “Classic Circle” designed to honor those who have supported the fundraising goals of the event and have encouraged others to do so.  He joins past recipients Fudge Du Locke founder Gary “Mac” McClellan, long-time Laker Athletic Department employee Gil Somes, the Walt North Family, and Rick and Sue Fitzpatrick of Pingatore Cleaners.

This year, the Foundation and the Soo Blue Liners joined forces to raise funds specifically for the Laker Hockey program. “It was the first time we had the event in the U.P. and working with the Blue Liners,” said Tom Coates, Executive Director – LSSU Foundation. “Wild Bluff is a great venue. We experienced an uptick in total golfers, and an even stronger response by our sponsors this year.”

The event featured live bidding, followed by a silent auction. Items included tickets to a Red Wings home game, Laker apparel, Pistons Club seats, golf packages, jewelry, and more. 

“I am proud to be part of this community which consistently supports our students, and truly makes a difference by enhancing their educational experience,” stated LSSU President Hanley. “I thoroughly enjoyed participating, and am looking forward to another record-breaking success next year.”

Taking first place with a score of 56 in the A Flight were Steve Rodenroth, Steve Jean, Brian Jean, and Kyle Jean. Second place A Flight, was the foursome of Dave Thomas, Doug Laprade, J.T. Henke, and Alex Sawruk, who scored a 60.

In the B Flight, LSSU President Hanley, Board of Trustees Member Tim Lukenda, David Ladd, and Dr. Shane Woolever took first-place with a score of 68. Board of Trustee Member Mark Mercer, Paul Fairbairn, Tim Hickman, and Terry Sullivan placed second with a score of 69. 

The Mixed Team winners were Ken Wilkie, Madison Wilkie, Lilly Freel, and Jason Wallace with a score of 57. Carding a 62 and placing second was the team of Ron Meister, Mark Savoie, Erin Albrecht, and David Jahn.

Winners in the Women’s Flight were Katherine Avery, Darla Krueger, Kathleen Maine, and Cheryl Wyers scoring a 77. Second place was garnered by the team of Svetlana Belleau, Barb Jorgensen, Fauncy Sawasky, and Kathy Williams with a score of 82. 

The Men’s Special Event winners were David Jahn for the longest drive, and Tony Bosbous for the longest putt. The Women’s Special Event winners were Lilly Freel for the longest drive, and Joan Killips for the longest putt.

Planning for next year’s 31st Lake State Golf Classic is already underway and is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2020 at Wild Bluff Golf Course. Call the LSSU Foundation at (906) 635-2665 or visit foundation.lssu.edu/classic for information, to serve on the planning committee, or for available sponsorship opportunities.