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Showing posts with label Tom Rieger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Rieger. Show all posts

Saturday, June 22, 2024

1984 January - July 15 TIMELINE AND STORIES FROM THE MGCC

 

THESE ARE THE BEST OF TIMES...GIRLS WIN STATE

 

1984 State High School Girls Golf Champion team: Christy Smith, Sherri Atchison, Coach Belger, Cathy Smith and Julie Rieger.

This story is copied from the 1984 MHS Yearbook.

Both boys and girls teams in golf amassed an impressive record during their spring season. In regular matches the boys teams won six while losing four, but the group really shone in the tournament competition. They won the Walnut Creek Invitational with Julie Rieger as the runner-up medalist; the boys copped second place at the Miami Invitational and the Metro Lakes Conference tournaments, with Steve Becker as the Miami runner-up medalist.

The teams practiced diligently and were successful in the post-season tourneys. The boys, led by medalist Steve Becker and runner-up Keith Neel, took first in the 3A Regional Boys tournament. They then went on to an 8th place at state.

The lady golfers were also amazing. They won first place at the Girls Regional tournament and capped off the year by winning the championship at the state tournament. Julie Rieger led the team as runner-up medalist.

**This year Tom and Julie Rieger both appear on the same MHS golf team. The other young woman playing golf on the boys team is from Vinita, Sheila Luginbuel (Dills).

1984 March 20 “Miami Golf Prospects Bright” by Jim Ellis

Four members of last year’s Miami golf team which finished third in the Class 3A state tournament are back, and that gives coach Bill Belger plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 1984 season.

“We have some good golfers,” said Belger, who takes over the coaching reins this season. “Not only among older ones but the younger ones show some promise. If we can get some good weather, the scores will start coming down.”

 

Miami opened its season this afternoon against Neosho at the MCC. Heading us the list of returnees are three-year regulars Steve Becker and Keith Neel. While at MHS Becker and Neel have been on the losing side only once in 33 dual matches. Other regulars back from lazy year’s team are seniors Dan McKinney and Tom Rieger. Others vying for positions on the team are seniors Clint Christensen, Dennis Malloy, Hal May, Derek Rougeot and Andy Whitehill; junior Chris Rogers, and freshmen Scott Kreeger, Steve Long, E.J. Mann, and Todd Schnakenberg.

Five talented girls are also out for the team, but Belger is having trouble lining up a schedule. “I’ve called quite a few places but haven’t gotten much of a response,” he said. “Right now, the girls first play will be March 28 in a tournament in Bartlesville. If we don’t get anything worked out, they will qualify with the boys.”

Making up the girls team are senior Cathy Smith, sophomores Sherri Atchison, Kathy Jeffries, and Christy Smith, and freshman Julie Rieger, who has carted off a number of junior girls golf honors. Atchison placed third in the Junior Tournament of Champions.

1984 March 25 “MHS Golfers Roll”

Dennis Malloy
Miami weathered less-than-desirable playing conditions to thump Vinita 167-207 in high school golf. The match was halted after nine holes at the MCC. Steve Becker and Keith Neel shred medalist honors for the Wardogs 40s. Jun one stroke behind was Tom Rieger at 41. Sheila Luginbuel was low scorer for Vinita with a 49.

**Note: the MNR is now reporting the majority of weekly golf events in the Sunday Sports page, consequently, I do not have exact dates on these events. The articles are shortened to initials in some cases, and few if any antidotal paragraphs appear with ladies’ golf.

1984 April 1 “MHS Tops Parkwood”

Miami golf coach Bill Belger can’t wait for the weather to start improving. “I think the scores will be consistently down in the 30’s once we can get some consistent weather and play all the time,” said Belger after watching his Wardogs, playing the best weather conditions yet, coast past Joplin Parkwood 328—335 Friday afternoon in a dual at the MCC.

Steve Becker and Keith Neel shared medalist honors with a pair of 80s while Tom Rieger was right behind with an 81.

1984 April 8 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Wednesday’s Ladies Golf play will be for low score on the par-3 holes.

18 holes 10am—F. Berentz, Liz Follis, E. Hatfield; Jean Ann Blue, M. Cordell, R. Lucas, H. Moore; M. Burford, R. Heyburn, LaVerne Munson, N. Newman; B. Jackson, C. Oliver, R. Patterson, M. Richards; B Pace, Geneva Ramsay; B. Shouse, F. Toye; P. Platt, Sapp, R. Womastek; A. chancellor, L. Young, Jerry Ramsey, Y. Temple.

5:30 p.m.—A. Foster, M. Hill, S. Riley, C. Couch

9 holes 10 am on hole #10—A Bradshaw, D. Hester, B. Robeson, V. Heydt, L. Russell.

Winter Ringer winners included: championship, E. Hatfield; A flight R. Womastek; B flight P. Taylor, and 9-hole, Jerry Ramsey.

Snow-ball Tournament winners were Hatfield in the 18-hole flight and Jerry Ramsey in the 9-hole competition.

 1984 April 11 “Miami Golfers 2nd in League Tourney”

The Metro Lakes tournament was halted after 27 holes due to rain with the Claremore Zebras shooting a team total of 495. Miami placed second with 513. Rounding out the field were Pryor 534, Tulsa Kelley 545, Owasso 558, Bixby 591 and Tulsa Webster 592.

Miami’s low individual was Tom Rieger with a 43,44,39-126 placing fifth in individuals. Scores for other Miami players included 131 for Neel, and 136 for Brett Wisdom and Dan McKinney. “We just didn’t play very well, Monday or Tuesday,” said Belger. “We can blame it on a lot of things, but the weather didn’t seem to affect Claremore’s scoring.”

1984 April 11 “Lady Wardog Golfers Win OKC Tourney”

Led by Julie Rieger’s 79, Miami’s Lady Wardog golfers romped to the team title of a girls golf tournament at Walnut Creek CC. The Lady Wardogs shot a team score of 381 compared to 410 for the runner-up Edmond. Moore was third with 425 while Bartlesville placed fourth with 437.

Medalist honors went to Christy Knight of Norman with a 77 while Rieger finished as runner-up. She had a 40 on the front side and improved to 39 on the back nine.

Kathy Jeffries was next6 for the Lady Wardogs with a 96 while Sherri Atchison carded 98. Rounding out the scores for Miami were Cathy Smith at 108 and Christy Smith at 109.

1984 April 15 “Claremore Tips Miami”

Rod Standridge captured medalist honors, enabling Claremore to turn-back Miami for the third time within a week Friday afternoon at MCC. All five Zebra’s scores were in the 80s while MHS had only three of five. Standridge, who tied for 11th in the medalist race at the league tourney, sizzled on the front nine, needing only 39 strokes en route to an 81. Keith Neel was the low man for Miami with a 84 while Steve Becker notched 85. Rounding out the scores for the Wardogs were Brett Wisdom, 86; Tom Rieger, 92, and Dan McKinney 92.

1984 April 17  “Lady Wardog Golfers Win”

Sherri Atchison and Kathy Jeffries bundle up for a cold day of golf.  
 

 Miami High School girls golf team won a three-way match with Owasso and Bartlesville in Tulsa Monday. Julie Rieger shot the low score for the Lady Wardogs with a 39 while Sherri Atchison fired a 42. Scores for other Miami players included Kathy Jeffries 47, Christy Smith 51 and Kathy Smith 57.

1984 April 18 “B’ville Repeats as Tourney Champs”

Bolstered by a four-over par score of 76 carded by medalist Ashley Roeder, Bartlesville walked off with the team title in the rain-delayed Miami HS Invitational at the MCC.

The Bruins finished with 317 to outdistance host Miami, which scored a 328. This was the third straight year for the Wardogs to finish as runner-up. Claremore took third with 333 while Pryor was a distant fourth at 360.

Steve Becker placed second in the medalist race with a 77. Keith Neel shot an 83 and tied for seventh. Tom Rieger and Brett Wisdom both shot rounds of 84. Sister, Julie Rieger, moving over to the boys’ team for the tournament, shot a 42-44-86.

**This is the 26th year for MHS and the Miami Country club to host this boys high school golf tournament.

1984 April 29 “Wardog Golfers Win Finale”

Dan McKinney, Brett Wisdom, Steve Becker, Tom Rieger, Keith Neel

Miami warmed up for Tuesday’s regional golf tournament when the Wardogs claimed a 330-338 victory over Neosho in a prep match that wrapped up the regular season in Neosho.

Miami’s Dan McKinney and Lance Allen of Neosho shared medalist honors, both shooting 78s. Other Wardog scores show Tom Rieger 83, Keith Neel 84, and Steve Becker 85, Brett Wisdom a 91.

1984 April 26 “MHS Girls Win Golf Regional”

Miami, with four girls shooting under 100, captured the four-ball team title during regional golf play Wednesday at Mohawk Park’s Woodbine Course and qualified for the state tournament.

The Lady Wardogs shot a four-ball total of 376, compared to 378 for Broken Arrow and Jenks, both 4A entries, while Miami is a 3A school.

Julie Rieger headed up the charge for Miami with an 88, good for fifth in medalist race with Vinita’s Sheila Luginbuel. Sherri Atchison tied for eighth with 95 while Kathy Jeffries and Christi Smith finished in ties for tenth and thirteenth, respectively.

“When the girls rounded out the front nine, they were disappointed with themselves,” said coach Bill Belger. “The scores were higher than we wanted, but I told them what with the wind gusting over 30mph they shouldn’t worry.”

“When they played the first nine, they didn’t realize how much the wind was going to be a factor,” he said. "But they stayed in there and kept making the shots.”

1984 April 30 “3 Share First in MCC Event”

Three teams shared the title at the Spring Four-Man scramble, Sunday the Miami Country club. Jammed together at 5-under 67 were the teams of Dick Neel, Monk Campbell, John Finley, and Ralph Whitesell; Doc Jackson, Lou Mirjanich, George Beck and Glen Conway; and Bob Hill, Schooner Schmidt, Jim Riley, and Jerry Wyrick.

Four teams tied for fourth at 68. They included Floyd Auld, Mark Riley, Phil Follis, and John Ratliff; Jack Smith, Tom House, Jim Green, and Wood Painter; John Robinson Jr., Les Farris, Ed Hammons, and Adam Jones; Jim Halderman, Bill Melton, Calvin Hunt and Cary Stevens.

A total of 116 golfers participated in the weather-plagued event.

1984 May 2 “MHS Golfers Win Regional”

Miami Wardogs completed a rare sweep of golf regional championships Tuesday when the Wardogs squeezed past Claremore in the 3A tournament at Page Belcher Golf Course. Miami’s girls team earlier had captured regional honors and were scheduled to tee off in the state tournament this morning at Lake Hefner in OKC.

  The MHS boys golf team will attempt to join the Lady Wardog counterparts as the Oklahoma State Golf Champions when they compete in the Class 3A tournament in Norman. Members of the team include from front left Brett Wisdom and Keith Neel. At back are Tom Rieger, Dan McKinney and coach Bill Belger. Not pictured is Steve Becker.

Winning the regional golf tournament means that the Wardogs advance to the state tournament for the fourth straight year. They finished third last year with the same squad.

At the end of the first 18 holes, Claremore held a five-stroke lead over Miami. Steve Becker and Keith Neel turned in rounds of 78 and 74 to lead the charge. Becker shot a 75 on the first 18, and Neel an 81.

Scores of other Miami players during the final round included Tom Rieger 80,87; Dan McKinney 81, 88, and Brett Wisdom 91, 85.

“We built our confidence up and knew that the team to beat was Claremore. When we made the turn at 18, we not only had to worry about beating Claremore but had to worry about Pryor breathing down our necks.”

The 54-hole state tournament will be held Monday and Tuesday at the University of Oklahoma course with 36 holes played the first day.

1984 May 3 “Rieger, Lady Wardogs State Golf Tourney Leaders”

Miami's Julie Rieger fired a one-over par 76 to take the lead for medal honors at the state high school golf championship. Rieger, who is one shot up on two-time defending champion Melissa McNamara (Luellen) helped the Lady Wardogs claim a four-stroke lead over Broken Arrow in the four-ball competition at the 5,413-yard Lake Hefner course. 

Lady Wardog teammate Sherri Atchison is tied for seventh with an 82. Kathy Jeffries notched a 93 while Cathy and Christi Smith carded 99s.

“I was kinda nervous starting out,” said Rieger. “But I parred the first two holes and I felt like I was going to do good. Then I started having three-putts.” Through the first 10 holes of Wednesday’s play, Rieger was four-over against a par on Lake Hefner’s South course. That’s when the 14-year-old Will Rogers Jr. High freshman launched her comeback. She played the rest of the way at 3-under par, highlighted by an eagle on the par 5, 400-yard #14. She also eagled the 336-yard ninth hole.

“This tournament means more to me than anybody believes,” Rieger said. “Coming down here, I wanted to finish in the top three. I wanted to show the high schoolers that a freshman can do good.”

“I like playing with Melissa because she helps me,” said Rieger who lost to McNamara in the finals of the state Junior Championship in 1982. “She’s very nice, not stuck-up like high schoolers could be. I think an awful lot of her.”

 1984 May 4 “MHS Girls State Golf Champs”

Miami’s “pups”, playing against more experienced competition, came through the clutch and wrapped up the only third State High School Golf championship. (The first two being in 1961, 1962)

1961 Girls Golf State Champs 

1962 Girls Golf State Champs 

Miami, the only 3A school in the four-ball field, counted the scores of a ninth grader and three sophomores for a 711 total. That was 11 strokes better than runner-up Jenks leaving Broken Arrow in third with 723.

“The girls played exceptionally well considering the pressures of a state tournament. They not only played tough but took the challenge and won big.”

Medalist honors fell to Melissa McNamara who trailed Rieger by one stroke after Wednesday’s play. It was no contest on Thursday. McNamara fired a five-under par 70 over the Lake Hefner South course and breezed to a seven-stroke victory.

“Melissa was incredible,” said Rieger. “She was sinking birdie putts right and left on the back nine. I’d say the better player won today.”

“Julie put on quite a show considering she was going against someone with more experience,” said Belger. “You don’t go out and shoot eagles every day.”

Sophomore Sherri Atchison finished ninth in the medalist race closing with a 174. The other two sophomores on the team—Kathy Jeffries and Christy Smith—finished at 188 and 195 respectively. Miami’s “old-timer”—senior Cathy Smith, finished with a 212 total.

Norman won the two-ball portion of the tournament with 355.

1984 May 7 “Jeffries Nabs Third County Golf Crown” by Jim Ellis

After running into some trouble on the front nine, Kent Jeffries completed the back side in one-under-par style and breezed to the title of the Ottawa County Championship. Jeffries carded a two-over 72 on the final 18 holes and finished with a 144. That was a whopping nine strokes better than Kenny Gibson’s 153, and Dick Lillard’s 156.

Jeffries admitted that Sunday’s final round would be tougher since play was off the blue tees, stretching the course from 6,121 yards to 6,641. “Stretching the yardage changes the shots you normally play. It makes club selection much more important,” said Jeffries.

Other flight winners were Cy Elmburg in President’s, Tom Cordell Jr., in A and Jim Moore in B flight.

1984 May 9 “Wardogs Struggle at State Tourney”

“We picked the state tournament to play the worst golf we’ve ever played,” lamented coach Belger after watching the Wardogs slump to ninth place in the conclusion of the Class 3A state golf tournament in Norman. Miami, which finished third a year ago, never was in contention shooting a 342 and 333 in the final round.

Ardmore, with only two individuals in the top 10, breezed to the team title with a total score of 953, which was 18 strokes better than runner-up Duncan.

Tom Rieger was Miami’s best individual, placing 19th with rounds of 84,82, and 81 for a 247. Brett Wisdom was next with 85,85,84-254, while Steve Becker shot 89,80,79—256. Keith Neel struggled with rounds of 84.96, 85 to finish at 263. Dan McKinney rounded out the group with 90,86, 90-266.

1984 May 13 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Miami Country Club pro Don Atchison will conduct a clinic for the ladies Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00 and 5:30. Sunrise league will start Tuesday immediately after the golf clinic.

The pairings: 18-holes—R. Womastek, G. Beck, E. Hatfield, L. Munson; F. Berentz, B. Jackson, Y. Temple, B. Pace; M. Richards, N. Couch, R. Patterson, P. Moores; P. Platt, G. Ramsey, N. Newman, V. Sapp; C. Oliver, R. Lucas, F. Toye; H. Moore, P. Taylor, M. Carter, B. Shouse; and L. Young, J. Ramsey, A. Chancellor.

9-hole play front 9—L. Follis, C. Jones, V. Heydt, A Bradshaw; B. Barnes, L. Russell, D. Hester, J. Jones.

Evening play—Dede Martin, J. Grissom, M. Grayson, A. Foster; S. Riley, C. Couch, J. Kemper, M. Hill.

1984 May 22 “Neel, Bizik Open Qualifiers”

Former Miamian Will Neel and Grove’s Vince Bizik were among 17 professional and amateur golfers who qualified in the first round of tournaments leading to next month’s U.S. Open. Bizik turned in rounds of 76 and 74 to finish with 150 while Neel and four others were grouped together at 151.

Neel, now living in Guthrie, shot a 75 and 76. Miami Country club assistant pro, Larry Clay, missed the cut by four strokes.

1984 June 3 “Miamians Place at Pryor Tourney”

Sherri Atchison, daughter of Don Atchison, pro at MCC won the girls 14-15 division during a youth golf tournament in Pryor on Friday. John Bizik of Grove won the boys 14-15 division with Miamian Marshall Smith placing fifth.

Christi Smith, also from Miami, was fourth in the girls 16-17 division. Sheila Luginbuel of Vinita won the division and Beth Brown of Muldrow took second,

1984 June 3 “Youth Golf”

Winners in Friday’s youth golf competition at MCC:

2-holes: Angela Barr and Mary Rutter; Jeff Gullett and Tony Atchison.

4-holes: Jennifer Gatewood, Laurie Schmidt; Jason Hill, Greg Painter, and Chris Paul.

9-holes A flight: Kim McCubbin, Heather Schmidt; B flight—Paige Parrott, Kari Swogger.

9-holes boys: Kevin Collingsworth, Jimmy Green.

18-holes: Sherri Atchison and Christy Smith.

18-holes A flight boys: Steve Becker, Marshall Smith; B flight—B.J. Mann, Steve Hill.

This week’s pairings: 2 holes—Leslie Harmon, Shannon Kerr, Chelsea Levo, Claudette Mercer, scorer. Haley Finley, Meagan Winters, Angela Barr, Sherri Atchison scorer. Mary Rutter, Heather McGinty, Brenda Wilson, scorer. Steven Renegar, Aaron Sedberry, Marianne Heard, scorer; Bobby Green, Greg Smith, Becky Austin, scorer; Tony Atchison, Derek Fowler, Drew Austin, Carol Smith, scorer; Charlie Haney, Michael Rapp, Shane Fitzgibbon, Keith Sedberry, scorer.

4-holes: Amy Davis, Kasie Sly, Jennifer Gatewood, Jerry Wyrick, scorer; Amy Smith Renee Kreeger, Julie Jeffries, Shirley Shelton scorer; Michele Jones, Amanda Long, George Payton scorer; Laurie Schmidt, Cindy Shelton, Marilyn Hill, scorer. Evan Eatman, Corbin West, Gavin Finley, Mary Ellen Rapp, scorer; Adam Jones, Ben Brady, Jason Winters, Carolyn Finley scorer; Frank Spetich, Jason Hill, Greg Painter, Patti Paul scorer; Greg Fitzgibbon, Scott Spetich, Larry Heard, Scott Kreeger scorer; Chris Paul, Ryan Shelton, Jim Rutter scorer.

9-holes: Shawna Fitzgibbon, Kari Swogger, Peggy Shelton, Ruth Ann Farris scorer; Lori Lillard, Melissa Molinar, Kendra Goodrich scorer; Carrie Sedberry, Paige Parrott, Sharon Douthitt, scorer; Scott Mann, Jimmy Rutter, Erin Fitzgibbon, Marshal Smith scorer; Jimmy Green, Bobby Seybolt, Daryle Gee, B.J. Mann scorer; Eric Elmburg, Brandon Farris, John Molinar scorer; Richard Stewart, Damon Mills, Russell Hurtt, Richie Lillard scorer; Kevin Collingsworth, Chad David, Alan Douthitt, Jack Bourne scorer; John West, Michael Fitzgibbon, Chris Bourne, Billy Seybolt, scorer.

18-hole players should report to the pro shop for pairings. Play will begin at 9:00am Thursday.

1984 June 10 “Ladies Guest Day”

Miamian Melba Cordell captured medalist honors with an 89 during Ladies’ Guest Day activities. Cordell won Championship flight while Wilma Buckner of Muskogee was low net with a 70.

Winners in A flight were Claire Oliver, gross of 94 and Betty Dixon, Muskogee, for allow net of 69. B flight honors went to Lorene West, Muskogee, with a 96 gross and Leah Dukes with a net 66.

Miami players claimed both C flight titles. Jerry Ramsey had a low gross of 103 while Carolyn Anderson’s 72 nailed down low net.


1984 June 14 “Atchison Heads for PGA Meet”

Sherri Atchison captured the girls 15-17 competition in the South-Central Section PGA Jr. tournament in Norman at Westwood Golf course shooting an 80-77 for a 157 and gained a berth in the national competition.

“I was pretty happy with my round, and I knew most of the girls and how they played, so that helped,” said Atchison. “A couple of holes got me down but that just made me want to work harder on the next one.” With the victory, Atchison will compete with other junior golfers from across the nation on August 23-26 in Palm Beach Gardens in Palm Beach, Florida.

Rieger won the girls 13-14 division with 85-73—158. Three other Miami youths, Steve Becker, Marshall Smith, and Christy Smith all placed in the competition.

1984 June 17 “Trio Face Busy Day Thursday”

Bob Hill Jr., Don Atchison, and Larry Clay

It will be a race against the clock Thursday, as Miami Country club pro Don Atchison, assistant pro Larry Clay, and MCC manager Bob Hill Jr., participate in a marathon golf game as part of the local National Golf Day activities.

The “golf-a-thon” will start at daylight Thursday with Hill playing as many holes as he can until 11 a.m. when Clay takes over. He will play until 4 p.m. when Atchison grabs the clubs and make the rounds until dark.

“We anticipate playing between 150-300 holes,” said Atchison. All pledge money collected will go to the MHS golf program. Persons wishing to make a pledge should contact the MCC pro shop at 542-2512.

**”Mcc golf-a-thon Labeled a Success”  

Larry Clay, asst. Pro



Don Atchison, club pro at MCC, assistant pro Larry Clay and MCC manager Bob Hill Jr., got 216 holes of golf in during a 14 hours day. The total raised was $2,364.

1984 June 19 “Rieger, Atchison Advance at Jr. Girls State”

Miamians Julie Rieger and Sherri Atchison received byes to the second round of the state junior girls golf championship being held at The Oaks CC in Tulsa. Rieger, the tournament’s defending champion, was second in Monday’s qualifying round with an 83 while Atchison was fourth with 86.

1984 June 21 “Miamians Square Off”

It was Julie Rieger, defending champion, against fellow high school teammate, Sherri Atchison in the semi-final round of the State Jr. Girls Championship.

Atchison and Rieger advanced with quarterfinal wins. Rieger topped Stace LeVan of Broken Arrow, 4 and 3, while Atchison beat Tracy Brogden of Tulsa 9 and 8.

1984 June 22 “Rieger in State Finals”

Julie Rieger birdied the tough #10 hole at Tulsa Oaks CC en route to a 6 and 4 semifinal victory over Sherri Atchison. Rieger was three over par through 14 holes. This marks the third straight year for Rieger, only 14, to reach the finals. She won the title a year ago.

“My putter was really working today,” said Rieger. “I was so happy with the birdie on 10. This just made my day. I knew after that I would win the match.”

The win will propel Rieger into the championship match tomorrow against Vinita’s Sheila Luginbuel.

1984 May 24 “Luginbuel Trips Rieger”

Miami’s Julie Rieger was derailed in her bid for a second Women’s Oklahoma Junior Golf Championship, but not without a fight.

Sheila Luginbuel of Vinita needed two extra holes and a 30-foot birdie putt to squeeze past Rieger and win the title. Luginbuel, 16, pulled even with 14-year-old Rieger with a 25-foot downhill birdie at the 18th hole. She had dodged elimination at #17 with a 10-foot par putt.

The first extra hole was halved with bogeys, but Luginbuel ended the match by ramming home her long birdie putt on hole 2.

1984 June 29 “160 Enter MCC Invitational”

A new champion will be crowned during the annual MCC Invitational golf tournament that tees off here Saturday, July 1. Four-time winner Will Neel will not be back to defend his title, having turned professional one day after his 1983 victory.

Defending champions entered this year include two-time champ Dr. W.D. Jackson, the winner in 1959 and 1973. Romie Holder of Tulsa (1980) and Terry Key of Joplin (1979) and Dick Neel of Miami (1965) will be playing this year.

1984 July 1 “Horserace Honors”

Bill Harsch and H.B. Warren teamed up to take first place in a two-man horserace Friday night at the MCC held in conjunction with the Invitational. Second place went to Mike Craig and Romie Holder, while Dick Lillard and Charlie Wear placed third.

Rounding out the field were Doc Jackson and Barry Cheek; Ed Schmidt and Bob Karlovich; John Robinson Jr., and David Robinson; Kent Jeffries and Terry Key; Marshall Smith and Frank Shaggets; Kenney Gibson and Dean Orem, and Cy Elmburg and Mark Cordell. 

1984 July 2 “Holder Wins MCC Tourney”

Romie Holder’s second Miami Country club Invitational golf title came a lot easier than his first. Despite seeing his score balloon by seven strokes over Saturday’s sparkling round, Holder still coasted to victory by three shots over Kenney Gibson.

Winners in other flight included John Heyburn in President’s flight; Dr. W.D. Jackson in A flight; Dr. Jerry McCan in B flight; Keith Dowell in C flight and Jim Rutter in D.

Holder and Bill Lee, also from Tulsa, had been tied for the lead after each turned in sizzling 69s, but Lee was forced to withdraw from the event. Gibson, a former Miamian now living in OKC, who had been in seventh following Saturday’s round, fired a 75 to finish with a 148 but was still well off the pace.

Miamian, Bill Harsch, was third with 148. Dr. Bill Giffhorn, another ex-Miamian living in OKC, wound up in fourth place with a 149. Heyburn was an easy winner in the President’s flight, shooting rounds of 77 and 72 to finish with a 149, five shots better than Marshall Smith’s 77-77-154.

Jackson, Kent Jeffries and Don Cherry, all of Miami, finished one-two-three in A flight. McCan, from OKC, won B flight. In C flight Dowell was one shot better than James Heyburn. Bob Haney nailed down third place. MCC members ran one-two in the D flight with Jim Rutter topping John Finley by two shots.

1984 July 4 “Becker Wins Youth Golf Tournament” **pic of winners

 

Taking honors in the Insurance Youth Classic golf tournament, from left--Paige Parrot, Chris Paul, Erin Fitzgibbon; At back Eric Davis, John Hayes, Steve Becker, medalist.

Steve Becker, shooting a 1-over-par 73, captured medalist honors during the annual Insurance Youth Classic golf tournament at MCC. Becker stormed to Championship flight title by a whopping six strokes 37, 36 to beat John Hayes of Edmond, who shot 43,36.

Also, qualifying for the state meet, to be held next Monday and Tuesday in Seminole, were Marshall Smith, who shot an 81 and two-time champion Keith Neel in with an 82.

Erin Fitzgibbon took honors in the Championship Youth flight with an 86. Paige Parrott was the low girl with 65, 59=124. There were 13 entered in the Championship flight and 12 entered in the Youth flight.

1984 July 15 “Junior Golfers to Compete”

Starting times have been announced for the MCC Jr. Golf Championship next Friday, July 21.

18 holes, 8am--Steve Becker, Matt Brady, and Richie Lillard; Jeff Ramsey, Steve Hill; Ron Coker, Robert Elmburg, Scott Kreeger; Stephen Long, B.J. Mann, Howard Condren; Jeff Goodrich, John Molinar and Keith Sedberry. Sherri Atchison and Christy Smith.

9 holes 9am—Kevin Collingsworth, Michael Fitzgibbon, and Richard Stewart; Jimmy Rutter, Allen Douthitt, Eric Elmburg; Brandon Farris, Erin Fitzgibbon and Jimmy Green; Daryle Gee, John West, Bobby Horner; Chad Davis Scott Mann, and Donal Wilson; Bobby Seybolt, Chris Bourne and Robin Orcutt; Paige Parrott, Shauna Fitzgibbon, and Lori Lillard; Carrie Sedberry and Peggy Shelton; Kari Swogger and Melissa Molinar.

2 holes, 9:30 am—Derek Farris, Ryan Gatewood, and Bobby Green; Drew Austin, Jeff Gullett, and Shane Delmez; Shawn Delmez, Aaron Sedberry and Steven Renegar; Shadd Delmez, Tony Atchison, and Gregg Smith; Charley Haney, and Shane Fitzgibbon; Haley Finley, Chelsea Levo, Meagan Winters; Heather McGinty, Mary Rutter, and Angela Barr; Linda Gray, Leslee Harmon, and Shannon Kerr.

4 holes, 10:00 am—Scott Spetich, Jason Winters and Adam Jones; Ryan Shelton, Alex Edwards and Tom Wilson; Chris Paul, Greg Painter, and Ben Brady; Evan Eatman, Greg Fitzgibbon and Larry Heard; Jason hill, Frank Spetich and Corbin West; Cindy Shelton and Kasie Sly. Amanda Long and Lauri Schmidt; Jennifer Gatewood, Julie Jeffries, and Renee Kreeger; Jera Wyrick and Amy Smith.

1984 July 15 “Ladies Golf”

The winning teams of the Ladies Golf Scramble at MCC consisted of LaVon Young, LaVerne Munson, Fern Toye, and Melba Cordell.

 ***CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES BY MHS GOLFERS:

The 1984 MHS Yearbook pointed out (incorrectly) that this was only the second athletic state championship earned by MHS students. (The fact is that MHS boys won: 1956 Class AA State 4-ball Championship; State 2-ball Championship; the Class AA Medalist on “sand greens”. 1956 Golf team records

They also won the Class A State Two-ball in 1960 with Bob Hill Jr., and Dickie Neel. 1960 Bragging rights The girls golf team won the Oklahoma State High School championship in 1961 and 1962.1961 Girls State 1962 Girls State)

 The third team to win a state championship went to the 1972 Boys Basketball team. More golf championships by the girls followed in 1989-90. **It appears that in 1956 Miami won the State Championship Driving (automobile safety) with a trophy awarded.

 



Friday, June 14, 2024

1983 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

 

I didn't know this faithful dog, named Mickey, but many friends on Facebook posted notes about him when I began this history a few years ago. On one of my quiet tours of the old country club I found this marker, down the road from the cartbarn.

1983 March 29 “Golfers Top Pryor, Claremore”

Keith Neel carded a 6-over-par 78 to lead the Miami golfers to wins over Claremore and Pryor at the MGCC. The Wardogs, now 3-0 on the season, finished with a 338 compared to 343 for Claremore and 375 for Pryor.

Steve Becker was next with an 81; Tom Rieger shot the third best round for Miami with an 89 while Darren Foster followed with a 90. Chip Hammons scored a 92.

1983 April 8 “Miami Golfers Nab Two Wins”

Thanks to three 39s and a 37 on the back nine, Miami breezed to a pair of golf victories Thursday at the Pryor Municipal golf course. The Wardogs compiled a team score of 327 to best Pryor’s 353 and Collinsville, at 383.

Keith Neel and Darren Foster shared medalist honors with 10-over par 81s. Steve Becker and tom Rieger also shot 39s on the back side with Becker finishing with an 82 while Rieger toured in 83. Chip Hammons carded a 95 for the Wardogs.

“For the amount of time we were able to be outside this week (rain delays), I thought we played well. The conditions were not real great, “said Miami Coach Archie Loehr. “Hopefully, we will be able to bring the scores down even more,” he said.

1983 April 11 “Golf Notes”

Wednesday’s Ladies Golf Association play will be low gross. The pairings:

18-hole play

9 a.m. Evelyn Hatfield, Faye Berentz, Geneva Ramsey, Beverly Jackson; Marylyn Adams, Pat Platt, Jean Ann Blue, Lib Lillard, Pattye Moores; Yvonne Temple, Jan Follis, Pauline Taylor, Ruie Lucas; Helen Moore, Ruth Heyburn, Gail Beck, LaVerne Munson; Ann Chancellor, Noma Newman, Virginia Kerr, Fern Toye; Barbara Shouse, LaVon Young, Mary Helen Hunt, Rosalie Patterson; Melba Cordell, Liz Follis, Millie Carter, Billie Pace; Claire Oliver, Virginia Sapp, Marian Richards, Rosemary Womastek.

9-holel play:

10 a.m. Maxine Jeffries, Dorothy Hester, Virginia Heydt, Carla Roller; Mary Robinson, Jerry Ramsay, Imogene Clay, Billie Neal, Aileen Bradshaw; Jean Phillips, Jean McGann, Betty Robeson, Betty Schwertfeger.

Afternoon play:

Dede Martin, Judy Kemper, Judy Long, Ann Foster, Marilyn Hill, Candy Couch, Judy Grissom, Nadine Paul, Sue Riley, Nora Coleman, Janie Clay.

1983 April 11 “4-Man Scramble Kicks of MCC Season”

The team of Mike Craig, John Kerr, Dick Seabolt, and Harry McCoy combined to take first place in the season’s first men’s event at the Miami Country Club. The winners turned in a 66 while the team of Dr. W.D. Jackson, Gary Davis, Al Goforth and Rob Kimbrough won a pitchoff to take second. They fired a 67.

Third went to the team of John Daugherty, Mark Riley, Tim Eatman, and Pete Foster while Tim Williams, Kenny Young, Dr. Pat Kragt and Woody Painter combined to place fourth.

1983 April 13 “Wardog Golfers Romp to Conference Crown”

Miami breezed to an 11-stroke victory during the Metro Lakes Conference golf tournament at Pryor golf course. Steve Becker and Darren Foster headed up the attack for the Wardogs. Becker took medalist honors with 80 and Foster finishing in a tie for second at 81.

Rounding out the scoring for Miami was Keith Neel with an 85, Tom Rieger at 91, and Chip Hammons was fifth man for the team and shot a 96.


1983 April 26 “B’ville Wins Miami Tourney”

Three rounds of sub-80 golf helped Bartlesville breeze to the team title of the annual Miami Invitational golf tournament Monday at the Miami Country club. Bolstered by Ashley Reeder’s medalist score of 74, the Bruins outdistanced runner-up Miami by 319-330.

The was the second straight year for the Wardogs to finish runner-up. Miami’s Keith Neel, Steve Becker, and Darren Foster were all bunched together in seventh in the medalist race at 82.

Tom Rieger and Vinita’s Sheila Luginbuel, the only female competitor in the tournament, tied for 10th with 84s.

1983 April 27 “Twilight League Play Starts”

Defending champion Team #15 turned in the low team net to kick off action in the Men’s Twilight League Tuesday night at Miami Country club.

Ron Schliep, Phil Follis, C.J. Carselowey and John Kerr combined for 144 strokes and shared the league points with Team #8 of John Robinson Sr., Larry Ramsey, George Couch, and Larry Gatewood. Team #16 of Ken Williams, Jim Moore, Monk Campbell, and Bob Baldridge were low in putts.

1983 April 29 “Robinson Eyes Repeat”

John Robinson Jr. returns to defend his Ottawa County Championship golf title during the 1983 tournament which begins Saturday at MCC.

1983 May 3 “Wardog Golfers Regional Champs”

STATE BOUND AGAIN--MHS's golfers wrapped up another Class 3A regional championship Monday at Tulsa, qualifying for the tournament for the third straight year. Member of the team include front, Darren Foster and Keith Neel. At back are Tom Rieger, Dan McKinney, Steve Becker, Coach Archie Loehr.

Wrapping up its first regional title in at least the past decade, Miami’s Wardog golfers breezed to the team title in the Class 3A golf tournament at Page Belcher Golf Course in Tulsa.

The Wardogs fired a team score of 304 on the final round, finishing with a 623 compared to 636 for Claremore. Tulsa Kelley carded a 646. This will be the third straight year for Miami to be represented in the state meet and the fifth time out of the last seven years. Last year they finished eighth.

During Monday’s play Keith Neel was second in the medalist chase while Darren Foster won the playoff with Greg Ellis of Tulsa Kelley for third. Steve Becker had carbon-copy rounds of 78 for 156 while Tom Rieger notched an 82 and an 83 to close with 165. Miami's  #5 man, Dan McKinney, shot a 174.

“Our scores were better than what they were last Thursday,” said Loehr, “Plus, the fact that we played 36 last week really helped. We may have been more mentally prepared to play the last 18 than the other schools were because we did have some good scores that second 18. For kids that age, it’s a real test to keep their concentration the last nine holes.”

1983 May 10 “Wardogs Claim 3rd Place”

Turning in one of its best finishes in recent history, the Miami High School golf team placed third at the Class 3A state golf tournament which wrapped up Tuesday at the University of Oklahoma course. Duncan won its second straight team title with a score of 943 which was 14 strokes better than Webster Heights of OKC. Miami was 29 shots back of Duncan with 972.

Keith Neel, who trailed the medalist, Whipple, by just three strokes after two rounds, battled rainy weather and struggled to an 82 on Tuesday to finish third in the medalist race. Steve Becker finished 11th in the medalist standings with a 245. He fired a 77 on Tuesday, Miami’s best individual score, to go along with the 83 and 85 from Monday.

Rounding out the Wardogs scores were Darren Foster 246, Dan McKinney 255, and Tom Rieger 256.

1983 May 22 “Craig, Robinson Share Lead”

 

Former Ottawa County Champion, Kent Jeffries, checks out a short putt at the 18th green during Saturday's first round of play at the MCC. Jeffries finished with a 77.

Mike Craig and David Robinson Jr. sloshed to rounds of 73 and the lead of the rain-delayed 1983 Ottawa County Championship. Because of rain delays Saturday’s play was completed in the dusk at 8:00 pm.

1983 May 23 “Robinson’s Keep Trophy in Family”

Don Atchison, pro, hands trophy to David Robinson, Jr. ,John Robinson Jr. observes.

It was a case of “All in the Family” Sunday when David Robinson Jr. breezed to the title of the 1983 Ottawa County Golf Championship. Robinson, firing carbon-copy rounds of 73 on Saturday and Sunday, succeeds his uncle, John Robinson Jr., as tournament champion.

“I hit the ball really well but had 7u0 putts the last two days,” said David. “I didn’t get a whole lot of putts to go in the hole.” The only time Robinson was in real trouble on Sunday was on No. 15.

“I hit a 3-wood off the tee and hit it up against the out-of-bounds fence,” he said. “I had a half-swing at it, punched it through and over the water, hit a wedge onto the green and left my birdie putt about an inch short of the hole.”

Other flight winners were Dennis Bowman in President’s flight, Floyd Auld in A and Al Goforth in B flight.

John Robinson Jr, finished in a four-way tie for third with Dr. W.D. Jackson, Dave Pawlus and Kent Jeffries.

In President’s flight Tom Cordell Jr. was second with 162, while Tom Rogers, Tim Williams, and Dwight Westerfelt shared third at 165.

Auld finished with a 172 in A flight with Boyd Goodwin and James McGinty tied for second, both having round of 173. Steve Sly was just a stroke behind with a 174 while Monk Campbell placed fifth with a 175.

Goforth edged out Mark Riley and John Kerr for honors in the B flight.

MCC pro Don Atchison expressed appreciation to Grissom Distributing for beer, hats, and a gold putter, won by Pepper Martin for hitting closest to the hole on No. 7 during Saturday’s round.

1983 May 26 “Neel Tops Open Qualifying”

Former Miamian Will Neel carded an even-par 142 to lead a group of nine golfers who survived a 36-hole local qualifying round at the Okc Golf and Country Club for the 83 U.S. Open Golf Championship. Neel, a former Okc University golfer who graduated from OCU last week, shot 72-70 over the 6,736 yard, pare 71 course in capturing medalist honors.

This is the third time Neel has survived the qualifying rounds but failed to advance past sectionals in two previous tries.

“I’m hoping the third time is the charm,” said Nel, whose eligibility at OCU ran out last fall. “I didn’t really know how I’d play because I haven’t played in a tournament since November. You can go out and work on your game, but you can’t test how you’ll hold up under pressure until you play a tournament.”

The top nine finishers advance to the sectional qualifying championship on Jun 6-7 at Ft. Worth, Tex or Kansas City, Missouri.

1983 June 1 “Youth Golf”

Pairings for the year’s first round of junior golf at the Miami Golf and Country Club are:

2 holes 8:30 am—Mary Rutter, Kelly Garrett, Heather McGinty and Joyce Rutter, scorer; Corbin West, Derek Farris, Shawn Williams, and Marty Gullett, scorer; Shane Fitzgibbon, Jeff Gullett, Gavin Finley and Ruth Ann Farris, scorer; Michael Rapp, Greg Fitzgibbon, Steven Renegar and Tim Williams, scorer; Ryan Gatewood, Jamie Neel, and Mary Ellen Rapp, scorer.

4 holes 8:30 am—Amanda Long, Kari Swogger, Renee Kreeger, and Janice Gatewood, scorer; Jennifer Gatewood, Laurie Schmidt and Jackie Kreeger, scorer; John West, Jason Hill, Chris Paul and Karen Painter, scorer; Kevin Collingsworth, Steven Hill, Erin Fitzgibbon and Arlene Seybolt, scorer; Eric Elmburg, Bobby Seybolt, Chris Moffatt and Pat Collingsworth, scorer; Grey Painter, Brandon Farris, Alan Douthitt, and Linda Elmburg, scorer; Damon Mills, Jerrod Keune, Richard Stewart, and Bob Hill, scorer.

9 holes 9:30 am—Toni Goforth, Cyndi Ray, Melissa Molinar and Better Parrott, scorer; Paige Parrott, Shawn Fitzgibbon, Jamie Garrette, and Alan Goforth, scorer; Mary Neel, Lori Lillard and Floy Ray, scorer; Daryle Gee, Trey Pendergrass, Jeff Ramsey, and Linda Goodrich, scorer; Trey Gee, Scott Kreeger, Howard Condren, and Geneva Ramsey, scorer; Kim McCubbin, Leighan Hill and Cathy Smith, scorer; Jimmy Rutter, Michael Fitzgibbon, Jeff Goodrich, Robert Elmburg, and JoAnne Pendergrass, scorer.

18 holes 8:00am—Kendra Goodrich and Sherri Atchison; John Molinar, Stephen Long, Richie Lillard, and Billy Seybolt; Marshall Smith and Steve Becker; Matt Brady, Brett Wisdom and Keith Neel.

1983 June 2 The Daily Ardmoreite “State Amateur Semifinalists”

 Semifinal rounds played on Thursday at the Women’s State Amateur Golf Tournament at Dornick Hills Country club were Julie Rieger of Miami and Sherri Atchison of Miami comparing notes while getting ready to tee of No. 9. Rieger won the juniors match 4 and 2 to earn a spot in the finals.

1983 June 5 “Ladies Golf Notes”

The winning team for last Wednesday’s scramble was Faye Berentz, Barbara Shouse, Jerry Ramsey, and Rosie Womastek. Ringer winners for the month of May were: championship flight, Evelyn Hatfield; A flight, Ann Chambers; B flight, Rosie Womastek, and 9-hole Aileen Bradshaw.

The Sunrise league play on June 7 will begin at 8;30 with a shotgun start. A picnic will follow play at Pauline Taylor’s lake home. Regular players should bring a salad and table service and the substitute players bring hor d’oeurves and table service.

1983 June 5 “Smith Wins Horse Race”

Dabney Smith Jr. captured first place in a horse race Friday night at Miami Country club. Steve Renegar was second while John Mills finished third.

Rounding out the field were Dr. Howard Condren, Mike Long, Schooner Schmidt, J.T. Clay, Tom House, Tim Eatman, and Gary Shepherd.

1983 June 7 “Limes Helps Team Win Title”

Cedar Ridge Country club assistant pro Kenny Limes helped his team capture top honors during the annual Miami Country club pro-am golf tournament. Limes, from Tulsa, finished well off the pace in the low pro chase but combined with Tulsans Steve Nelson and Seth Herndon and Bob Baldridge of Miami for a 190under par 53 to breeze to the team title.

Ross Elder, head pro at Tulsa’s Mohawk Golf course, carded an even-par 72 to claim low pro honors while Tulsa LaFortune Park’s Paul Ridings was second at 74.

Former New York Yankees all-star Ralph Terry, no a pro at Larned, Kansas and Allen Collins of Neosho, Missouri tied for third at 75.

Richard Venus, a former assistant pro at MCC, was fifth with a 77 while Charles Collins, and Jim Hatfield posted round of 78.

1983 June 10 “Neel Wins Insurance Golf”

Keith Neel, who finished third at the Class 3A state golf tournament last month, captured medalist honors during the 1983 Insurance Youth Classic at the MCC. Neel nosed past Marshall Smith for top honors in the Championship flight by carding a 18-hole total of 76, while Smith finished with a 77.

Steve Becker, another member of the MHS team, placed third with an 80 while Brett Wisdom was fourth with an 86. The top three finishers advance to the state tournament next week at Page Belcher golf course in Tulsa.

1983 June 15 “Team 15 Leads Again”

Team #15 continued to dominate play in the Men’s Twilight League by taking low net honors Tuesday night at the Miami Country club. The foursome of Don Barr, Bob Thompson, John Kerr, and C.J. Carselowey completed their play with 135 strokes. Team #15 now has 51 ½ points, which is 9 ½ points ahead of second place Team # 3.

Taking honors in team low putts was the team of Tim Williams, Monk Campbell, Jim Moore and Bob Baldridge with 65 putts. John Doty was the leader in individual low gross and individual low net. He shot a gross score of 37 and a net of 30.

1983 June 23 The Ardmoreite “Four Juniors Left”

Sherri Atchison of Miami, hits out of the trap.
 Only four junior players remain in the Junior Girls State Golf Tournament at Dornick Hills. Karen Smith, Tulsa, Beth Brown, Sallisaw, Julie Rieger, Miami and Sherri Atchison of Miami will be in today’s semifinal match-ups.

In consolation play, Christy Smith, Miami, beat Gayle Galt, Tulsa, 1 up with Julie Bush, OKC taking an 8 and 6 win over Edmond’s Tami Proctor, who at age 12 is the youngest competitor in the tournament. Cathy Smith, Miami, and Elizabeth Roll, Tulsa, drew byes Wednesday.

1983 June 24 The Ardmoreite  “Rieger Drives to Crown”

For the second day in a row, Miami’s Julie Rieger loved her drives. “They were great today,” the 13-year-old said following her 4 and 3 victory over Jenks senior Karen Smith in the Championship Flight final of the Junior Girls State Tournament at Dornick Hills. “I just love ‘em. It’s usually the best part of my game, anyway, but yesterday and today I was really hitting them good. I nearly drove the green on hole number seven. I love that hole” continued Rieger.

Rieger never trailed in her match with Smith. In the consolation fifnal OKC’s Julie Bush, defeated Miami’s Christy Smith, 4 and 3. Rieger, who was the junior state runner-up to Melissa McNamara last year, may forgo defending her junior championship next season, choosing to play in the women’s state tournament instead. She is one of three state girls who will be representing the state in this summer’s National Junior tournament.

1983 June 27 “Neel Wins One for the Road”

1983 July 8 “Youth Golfers Claim Honors”

Miami youth golfers captured honors one two fronts Thursday. Keith Neel won the Neosho, Missouri while Sherri Atchison was crowned girls champion at the Tom Lobaugh Junior Invitational of Tulsa.

Neel, a member of the MHS golf team, finished with a 72 to nose out fellow Miamian Steve Becker for top honors. Becker shot a round of 74. Richie Lillard won the three-way sudden death playoff to take second in the nine-hole flight with a 41.

Atchison carded an 89 Thursday at the Tulsa tournament, played at Mohawk Park, and won by a whopping 13 strokes over Lisa Barrett of Tulsa. Atchison finished with a 54-hole total of 273 with other rounds of 97 and 87. Barrett finished with a 286.

1983 July 10 “Youth Golf”

Results from Friday’s junior golf play:

2-holes: Heather McGinty, low score; Debbie Newman, low putts: Jeff Gullett, low score; Corbin West, low putts.

4-holes:

Kari Swogger, low score; Amanda Long and Carrie Sedberry, low putts: Richard Stewart, low score; Chris Paul and Kevin Collingsworth, low putts.

9-holes:

Jamie Garrett, low score; Melissa Molinar, low putts; (14 year olds) Kendra Goodrich, low score and low putts: Jeff Ramsey, low score; Howard Condren, low putts.

18-hole: Sherri Atchison, low score and low putts; Keith Neel, low score; Brett Wisdom, low putts. (B flight boys) Richie Lillard, low score and putts.

1983 July 10 “Ladies Golf”

There was a tie in last Wednesday’s play between the teams of Virginia Sapp, Ann Chancellor, Faye Berentz, Millie Carter, and Geneva Ramsey, Barbara Shouse, Billie Neal, LaVern Munson.

1983 July 17 "Youth Winners"

Winners of the junior golf play Friday were front row, Jeff Gullett, Gavin Fitzgibbon and Shawn Williams; second row, Richard Stewart, Keven Collingsworth, Alan Douthitt, Jason Hill, Toni Goforth, Carrie Sedberry, Jan Haney and Kari Swogger; third row, Ronnie Coker, Steve Long, Kendra Goodrich, Kim McCubbin, Leighan Hill, Richie Lillard, Tina Moore, Lori Lillard, Shana Fitzbibbon and Paige Parrott.

1983 July 17 “Finley, Ramsey Win”

Mixed horse race results Friday night a the MCC have been announced.

The team of John Finley and Geneva Ramsey won the pitch-off on #18. Other teams and their placings were Gary Shepherd, Evelyn Hatfield, second; Blair Swogger, Claire Oliver third; J.P. Williams, Janie Clay, fourth; Jim Reese, Ann Foster, fifth; John Kerr, Ruth Heyburn, sixth; Robb Garwood, Pat Platt, seventh; Mike Craig, Marilyn Hill, eighth; Don Cherry, Judy Kemper, ninth; and Jim Hill and Faye Berentz, tenth.

Ray Curtis took first place in the men’s horse race held a week ago. Other winners were George Couch, second, Rob Kimbrough, third; John Burford, fourth; Jerry Gullett, fifth; John Elmburg, sixth; Ron Schlief, seventh; Bob Baldridge, eighth; Phil Follis, ninth; and John Ratliff, tenth.

1983 July 24 “Women Golfers to Compete”

 

Sherri Atchison will be competing in the Tri-State Golf tournament.

Miami Ladies Golf association will host the annual 3-day Women’s Tri-State Golf tournament. For the first time it will be held on the new 18-hole golf course. Early records show that the Tri-State Golf Association was formed in 1922. Today there are 29 club memberships in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The field has grown from 40 participants to a limited field of 144. Miami hosted the tournament in 1941, 1948, 1957, and 1970. Miami’s Helen Jo Painter served as tournament president in 1948, Lois Garwood was president in 1967 and 1970; Jonya Stapp, daughter of then MCC pro Johnie Stapp, won the 1970 event. This year Faye Berentz is the tournament director and also in charge of the horse race.

1983 July 24 “Junior Winners”

Junior winners at MCC after Friday’s play were front from left Damon Mills, 9-hole putting winner; Christy Smith, girls 18-hole runner-up; Sherri Atchison, girls 18-hole winner and Jeff Ramsey, boys 9-hole winner. Back row, Keith Neel boys 18-hole winner; Steve Becker, runner-up; and Howard Condren 9-hole runner-up. Not pictured is Keith Sedberry boy 9 hole driving winner.

1983 July 25 “Neel, Day Share Lead at MCC Invitational”

Miami native Will Neel, in his final tune-up before hitting the professional tour, and Kansan Jack Day fired 1-under par 71’s Saturday to share the first-round lead in the 28 annual MCC Invitational golf tournament. Neel is shooting for his fourth MCC Invitational title and third in a row., winning by one stroke both in 1981 and 1982. His other victory came in 1978.

A total of 89 golfers teed off Saturday with competition in five flight continuing today.

Another stroke back of Jack Day is Dean Orem of Joplin, while Frank Jacobs and Gary Risner turned in 73s. Marshall Smith and H.B. Warren shot 74s while Kent Jeffries, Dr. H.I Grassle, Cy Elmburg, former champion Romie Holder and David Robinson Jr are all jammed at 77s.

Maybe they should rename it the Will Neel Invitational. Miami native Will Neel, who hits the professional golf trail today, capped his amateur carer Sunday by winning the MCC Invitational golf tournament for the third straight time.

Neel shook off Joplin’s Dean Orem the final two holes Sunday and posted a one stroke victory.

Other flight winners were:

Charlie Wear, KC in President’s flight, Sandy McNeill, Tula, in A flight; Pat Wilson, Miami, in B flight; and Don Yarger, Vinita, in C flight.

1983 July 26 “Instant Replay”

 

Maybe they should rename it the Will Neel Invitational. Miami native Will Neel.

1983 July 29 “Tri-State Winners”

1983 August 7 “Ladies Golf”

The team of Ruth Heyburn, Janie Clay, and Rosemary Womastek won the 18-hole scramble last Wednesday. July ringer winners include championship, Candy Couch; A flight, Yvonne Temple; B flight, LaVern Munson; 9-hole flight, Jerry Ramsey.

The two-ball tournament will start Wednesday and will run for two weeks. Those who want to compete in this event and have not signed up should contact Janie Clay or Evelyn Hatfield so that pairings can be made.

The pairings will be posted before Wednesday.

1983 August 10 “City Golfers Lead Tourney”

Keith Neel, Sherri Atchison, and Marshall Smith lead their respective divisions in the Junior PGA Tournament of Champions at Mohawk Park, Tulsa after the first day of play.

Neel carded a three-under-par 69 to take the lead in the 16-17 boys division. Atchison opened up a whopping four-shot lead in the 14-15 girls division by carding an 82. Smith is the pacesetter in the 12-13 boys division.

1983 August 11 “Youth Golfers Place”

Miamian Keith Neel finished fourth, Marshall Smith second, and Sherri Atchison third following the final round of play in the Junior Tournament of Champions.

Neel, the first-round leader with a 69, struggled to an 83 and had to settle for fourth place in the 16-17 boys division. His final score was 152. Brian Grimes of Stillwater shot a 75 to capture top honors with a 146.

Marshall Smith saw Tulsan Mike Phenicie rally from a five-stroke deficit to win the 12-13 boys title. Smith closed with an 83 and total of 158 while Phenicie carded a 77 to close with a 158.

Atchison struggled Wednesday shooting an 87 for the final 18 holes in the 14-15 girls division. Donna Lowen of Hays, Kansas, scored an 83 to pull even with Atchison at 169, then won a three-hole playoff of for second place. Lisa Barrett of Tulsa rallied to shoot an 81 for a total of 168 to win the title.

 1983 August 23 “Craig Wins MCC Title”

Mike Craig fired a final round 78 to capture the MCC championship with rounds of 72, 78, 75, and 78. John Robinson Jr. was second, scoring a final round of 75 for 307.

Ed Schmidt was third with a total of 313 while John Daugherty was fourth with 316. Placing fifth was Bob Hill, Jr. at 318

1983 August 29 “Craig Team Nabs MCC Fall Festival”

The team of Mike Craig, Frank Remis, Mike Long, and Lynn Davis rallied from three strokes down to capture first place honors in the men’s Fall Festival Sunday at the MCC.

The Craig team had been in second place following Saturday’s first round but came back with a 5-under 149 for a 301 total and the win. The team of George Foster, Rob Garwood, Rick Stewart and Ken Grissom finished as runners-up with a 299 total. There was tie for third between the teams of Al Moffatt, Bob Haney, Dr. Ray McKinney and Rick Stark, and the team of Jack Doan, Jim Hill, John Finley III, and Phil Follis.

Bob Haney captured individual honors scoring 85 points to finish at 13-under par. Stewart was second at 83, while Long and Bill Melton tied for third. Marshall Smith, Saturday’s first round leader slumped to fifth with an 81.

1983 September 11 “Ladies Golf”

Last week’s scramble team winners with handicap scores were the foursome of Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Billie Pace, and Pattye Moores. The pairings for Wednesday’s play for points follow:

18-hole—8 a.m. Rosemary Womastek, Gail Beck, Claire Oliver, Pat Platt; Barbara Shouse Evelyn Hatfield, Helen Moore, Ruie Lucas; Ann Chancellor, Fern Toye, Billie Pace, LaVern Munson; Beverly Jackson, Ruth Heyburn, Geneva Ramsey, Melba Cordell; Lavon Young, Pauline Taylor, Millie Burford, Noma Newman; Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Pattye Moores, Yvonne Temple; Virginia Sapp, Jan Follis.

9-hole (play on back 9)

8a.m.  Imogene Clay, Betty Robeson, Jean Phillips; Carol Jones, Aileen Bradshaw, Billie Neal; Lottie Mae Russell, Jerry Ramsay, Dorothy Hester.

Afternoon pairings—Marj Grayson, DeDe Martin, Sue Riley, Mary Haney, Nadine Paul, Candy Couch, Marilyn Hill, Judy Long, Carla Rollar, Judy Kemper, Judy Grissom, Ann Foster, Nora Coleman.

1983 September 19 “Haldeman Wins Horserace”

Winning a pitchoff on the final hole against Bob Hill, Jim Haldeman won the final men’s horserace of the season at MCC Sunday evening. Dr. W.D. Jackson finished third, with John Robinson Jr. taking fourth.

Rounding out the field were Dr. W.D. Neel, John Daugherty, Cy Elmburg, Marshall Smith, Don cherry and Mike Craig.

1983 September 26 “Ace Keys MCC Event”

The team of Bob Hill, Jr., John Kerr, Dr. Pat Dragt, and Roy Chancellor captured top honors in a fall four-man scramble Sunday with a team score of 61.

The highlight of the event, though, was a hole-in-one by John Becker, Sr. on the par 3, 186-yard No. 17 with a 6-iron. His teammates—Steve Sly, Rob Garwood and Don Giles—were the witnesses. They finished eighth.

Winning second in a pitchoff at 62 were Dr. W.D. Jackson, Jim Rutter, Rick Stark, and Rob Kimbrough. Taking third, also at 62, was the team of John Robinson Jr., Joe Weatherford, Tim Eatman, and Ben Owens. Fourth with a 63 was the team of Ed Schmidt, Jim Wiliams, Mike Glasman, and Harold Hopkins.

1983 October 11 “Jackson, Harsch Nab Fall Scramble”

The team of Dr. W.D. Jackson and Bill Harsch carded a 66 to take top honors in the fall two-man scramble at MCC. There was a tie for second in the Championship flight between Dick Lillard, Dick Neel, John Daugherty, and Don Barr with 68s.  

Winners in the President’s Flight were Joe Jones and Bob Hunt with a 70. Sharing second with a 72 were the teams of Floyd Auld, Jim Williams, and the team of Bill Melton, Bob Temple.

Mike Glasman and Ray Curtis won the A Flight with a round of 68. Placing second with a 71 were Jeff Parrott and Rex Painter. David Scruggs and Rich Trolinger teamed up to take third with a 73.

Taking honors in the B Flight with a 77 was the team of Phil Follis and Ronnie Schliep. Mike Couch and Jim Couch were second at 78.

 

 


 Over the decades these ladies made a significant contribution to all junior golfers in Ottawa County. We all say thank you and hope it is never to late to say that. (The original picture of the list of ladies who passed away over a 40 year period can be found at the Dobson Museum in Miami.)