Hemet Sportsman's Club Invests in the Valley's Future—One Student Athlete at a Time

Local organization has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and support while quietly strengthening youth sports throughout the San Jacinto Valley.

When Donnie Curry talks about the Hemet Sportsman's Club, he doesn't begin by talking about golf tournaments or fundraising.

He talks about kids.

"Youth sports groups can petition the Sportsman's Club for funds that we will review," Curry said. "We always like to help where we can."

That simple philosophy has guided the Hemet Sportsman's Club for decades. While many residents recognize the organization for its annual golf tournament or its athlete recognition banquets, few realize just how much of an impact the club has made behind the scenes.

Originally established in the 1970s to support Hemet High School athletics, the organization eventually became inactive for nearly three decades. It wasn't until a dedicated group of former athletes from Hemet and San Jacinto came together that the club was revived, becoming the nonprofit organization it is today.

Two of those original members are still actively involved.

"We were members when it was the Hemet Sportsman Club that went under, but we brought it back as the Hemet Sportsman's Club," Curry said. "We changed that one letter, and it has been expanding ever since."

Today, the club's mission reaches far beyond a single school. It serves youth athletic programs throughout the greater Hemet-San Jacinto Valley and Anza, helping bridge the financial gap between what schools and parents can afford and what young athletes need to compete successfully.

"We only cover the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley," Curry explained. "We found other areas had booster clubs that were helping sports teams. We fill that gap here in this valley."

Throughout the year, youth sports organizations can request financial assistance from the club for equipment, uniforms, tournament expenses, and other program needs. Every request is carefully reviewed with one goal in mind—helping local children participate in sports.

The club also recognizes excellence in athletics.

Following each fall, winter, and spring sports season, coaches from area high schools nominate their Most Valuable Players to be honored at the Hemet Sportsman's Club's annual awards banquets. The organization also awards scholarships to the Outstanding Female Athlete each season to help offset the cost of college.

Among the club's highest honors are three perpetual awards recognizing the San Jacinto Valley's top football, basketball, and baseball players.

The football award honors legendary Mt. San Jacinto College coach Bob Stangel. The basketball award is named for longtime MSJC coach John Chambers, while the baseball award recognizes the late Bill Gray, whose contributions helped establish Hemet Youth Baseball and influenced generations of young players.

Recipients receive plaques, scholarships toward higher education, and have their names permanently engraved on the perpetual trophies.

Making those scholarships possible requires community support, and the club has developed several successful fundraising traditions.

Its annual golf tournament at Soboba Springs Golf Course has become one of the area's premier charitable sporting events. This year's tournament attracted 144 golfers and raised more than $20,000—money that will go directly back into the community through scholarships and youth sports funding.

Club members also gather every other month at Golden Era Golf Course for fellowship and fundraising while strengthening the friendships that have helped sustain the organization for decades.

Golden Era Golf Course has also partnered with the club by hosting the annual San Jacinto High School Golf Team Match Play Tournament barbecue.

"We have been able to host a BBQ for the annual San Jacinto High School Golf Team Match Play Tournament here at Golden Era," Curry said. "That is a great event for the kids, and we appreciate everything that Golden Era does."

The club's membership is made up primarily of former athletes, coaches, business owners, and community leaders who share a commitment to giving back. Members meet monthly to review funding requests, organize fundraising events, and continue expanding the club's reach.

For Mark Chamberlin, a Hemet High School graduate from the Class of 1984, volunteering has always been at the heart of his involvement.

"My involvement with the Sportsman's Club dates back to the '80s," Chamberlin said. "It is from a desire for volunteerism and a passion to support local athletes that I got involved with the Sportsman's Club."

Kris Covey, a Hemet High School Class of 1976 graduate, shares a similar motivation.

"I got involved to connect with like-minded men who had a heart to make a difference in the community by supporting athletics," Covey said.

As participation in youth sports continues to grow, so does the need for community organizations willing to invest in young athletes. The Hemet Sportsman's Club has answered that call for generations.

Whether it's providing equipment to a local team, awarding scholarships to deserving student-athletes, recognizing athletic excellence, or simply encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, the club continues to prove that the strongest communities are built by those who invest in their youth.

Nearly fifty years after its founding, the Hemet Sportsman's Club remains true to its original purpose—helping local athletes succeed and ensuring that the next generation has every opportunity to thrive.