NSU Golf Classic more than just fun and games

The Northeastern State University 17th Annual Golf Classic was at Cherokee Hills Golf Club on Monday, June 2. This event that began as a fundraiser for RiverHawks Athletics in 1998 has truly become much more than just a game; it has become a tradition.

This is the third year that Ive been involved with the Golf Classic, Paul Steininger, NSU Athletic Association president said. It is a great chance to reconnect with old friends, athletes and coaches. It really is a great opportunity to interact with people trying to make a difference. Thats why I got involved. It is a truly meaningful event.

The NSU Athletics Association meets once a month for approximately an hour to discuss and plan the tournament. This begins in January so that everything is ready for the tournament five months later. Many hours outside the monthly meeting are spent on planning as well.

There is certainly a commitment of time by all of the Executive Council members in our monthly meetings, but there is an enormous amount of time on the part of the members that is dedicated to calling on previous or potential new sponsors in trying to convince them to either sponsor and/or participate in the Golf Classic, John Stevens, Golf Classic Chairman said. Many of our members spend a lot of time obtaining various donated prizes that are drawn for after the Classic is played. The Athletic Association is grateful for the NSU Athletic Department Staff because of the amount of work that they invest in this as well.

The Golf Classic is the primary fundraiser for the NSU Athletics Association.

This is not only a fundraiser, but also an outreach, Scott Pettus, NSU Assistant Athletic Director, External Operations said.

Every June, RiverHawks from all generations come together for this occasion.

There are several on the Athletic Association that work tirelessly to get this put together, Pettus said. From January up to the event, all hands are on deck. This is the biggest fundraiser for our athletic department.

This golf tournament allows NSU student athletes and coaches to represent the university with the pride and distinction expected through the contributions made by those involved, whether it be as a sponsor or a participant.

It really is all about the students, Steininger said. I went to NSU and got a great education, met a wonderful woman and ended up with a great job, which is exactly what I want for everybody else who attends Northeastern. I had a wonderful experience so I think it is important to give back and be able to create those same opportunities for future NSU alumni.

This years event raised approximately $30,000.

The Golf Classic supplements the athletic department, Pettus said. It helps each and every one of our student athletes and each of the athletic programs benefits from this yearly event.

RiverHawks Athletics offers 10 varsity sports for its student athletes: basketball, golf, soccer, softball and tennis for women; baseball, basketball, football, golf and soccer for men.

In these days and times, collegiate athletic budgets are tight, especially at our level, Stevens said. It is important that our kids have the support of alumni through their financial contributions. Now we arent necessarily talking about contributing $100 each month, but a commitment of just $10 or $20 each month, which works out to be daily pocket change. This adds up when you can gain the commitment of 5,000 alumni. The valuable contribution to our student athletes can mean so very much to them. I would encourage everyone to contact the NSU Athletic Department about becoming members of the NSU Athletic Association.

NSU is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The MIAA is considered one of the most competitive and successful conferences in NCAA Division II.

The goal is to get as many people involved as possible, Steininger said. It is an exciting event for not just the Athletics Association and those involved in the athletic department, but all alumni, including recent graduates and current students too. Athletics is an essential part of the college experience, so what better way to enrich the campus community than by being part of it.

Athletics are an important part of the overall educational experience at NSU. It has been said to be the window which people see the entire university.

I think it is important that our alumni, whether former athletes or not, understand that they do not have to be a former athlete to be a member of the NSU Athletic Associations and support the athletic teams at Northeastern, Stevens said. We would like to extend the opportunity to become a member to every former student or alumnus of Northeastern.

The NSU Athletics Association invites all who are interested to join their organization. The Athletics Association is the heart of the many outstanding projects that directly impact the athletics program.

The Athletic Association is a great group that has the best interest of NSU at heart, Pettus said. They are the ambassadors for NSU athletics and we could not do what we do without them volunteering their time.

If interested in becoming part of the NSU Athletic Association or being a part of next years Golf Classic, please contact Pettus at pettusr@nsuok.edu or 918-444-3955.