Schools
Wharton High School Hockey Scores at Hunter's Green Fundraiser
Happy Gilmore may not have made an appearance at the Hunter's Green golf tournament for Wharton Hockey, but fun was had by all. The team also reached its fund-raising goal.
Charity was the theme at Hunter’s Green Country Club, where Wharton High School hockey's second-annual golf tournament was held Monday.
Proceeds from the event will go toward new uniforms and practice time at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, where Wharton shares practice space with other teams, including the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.
The main reason for the event was because Wharton’s hockey team is not a district-sanctioned sport in Hillsborough county, making the team a club sport and responsible for its own fundraising. Associated costs can run high - with an hour of practice time on the rink running the team $350, for example.
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Matthew Camposano, the team’s manager, said the golf tournament raked in as much money as organizers had hoped.
“We have raised more than 3,000 dollars today, and it was all thanks to the full field of 17 teams playing and their families,” he said.
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The tournament was set up in a scramble format, allowing for everyone to be included. The winning team took home T-shirts, hockey equipment and other prizes.
Rising senior Alex Wall senior said it was a nice turnout and a fun experience overall.
“It was a good way to start the season," he said. "It helped us athletically and economically, and it was a great way to get all of the families together."
Jackson Danger, a defensemen and sophomore, said the event was mainly about fun for him and working toward a common goal.
“This is a recreational thing for me," he said. "I am not a golfer, but it was a beautiful day at Hunter’s Green and not too incredibly hot.”
Danger said that he hopes the money raised on Monday will help his team play the best season yet.
After the tournament was over, refreshments were served to guests as they mingled with friends new and old and waited for the results to come in.
The winning Wildcat foursome? Craig Trautman, Charles Alexander, Rusty Spicola and Geoff McClain.
“As far as I have seen, everyone is having a good time, and this is a great way to start a new season in 2012,” said Danger.
For more information about Wharton Hockey visit whartonhockey.com.