CSU East Bay held its 16th annual Golf Classic, which benefits the Richard and Susan Sherratt Athletic Scholarship Endowment, this past Monday at TPC Stonebrae Golf Course in Hayward.

Allen Sue, the CSUEB’s men and women’s golf coach, and his team which consisted of his father Jerry Sue, Alumnus Jack Alcosta and first time player Robert McDonald came in first place for the second straight year.

Coming in second place for the third straight year was Paul McKellar’s team, which featured Ken Cherry, Greg Mitchell and Mario Toscano.

The tournament is the largest fundraiser of the year for the athletic department.

Participants paid $195 which covered a full round of golf as well as a gift bag and a boxed lunch for golfers to enjoy during their time on the course, which overlooks the city of Hayward as well as the San Mateo Bridge and the  Bay.

The Richard and Susan Sherratt Athletic Scholarship Endowment helps pay for Pioneer athletic scholarships and provide financial support for student-athletes for the university’s 15 intercollegiate men and women teams and who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend CSUEB and participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Last year’s event saw the athletic department rake in just over $7,000 in donations, while this year the tournament’s final tally has not yet been calculated.

“It’s always really exciting to have the community business, alumni, and parents all come together for such a special cause,” said CSUEB Athletic Director Debby DeAngelis.

A benefit dinner and silent auction took place after the tournament with all proceeds going to the foundation as well.
An array of sports paraphernalia were available for bidding such as Giants and Raiders gear and autographed Olympic plaques.

CSUEB merchandise such as golf bags and polo shirts were also available for bidders.

“My wife graduated from Cal State East Bay, so I have played in this tournament every year to help the cause,” said McKellar who placed second and is the owner of Big O Tires in San Leandro. “It’s always well organized and at very nice private courses.”

Players were put into teams of four with 18 total teams participating.

Different sponsorship packages were also available for people to buy.

“This is one of the prettiest courses I have ever played, right here on top of the Hayward Hills,” said Toscano, who said he has never missed a tournament. “Just makes a fun day that much better.”

The tournament offered more than just a round of golf for the attendees. A list of activities were available for golfers to take part in before the tournament began.

Events included a putting competition, a “closest to the pin” competition and a driving competition.

The tournament included a few fun twists which were meant to make the event all the more interesting.

“I don’t play much anymore but getting together with a good group of people for a good cause is something you can never count me out on,” said McKellar.

Pioneer golfers were allowed to participate under certain circumstances.

On the sixth hole you could have Greg Atkinson of the men’s golf team hit your tee shot for a five dollar charge that would go to the proceedings.

“I had some really special times at Cal State East Bay,” Alumni Greg Mardith explained. “And this tournament always brings me back to those days.”