Thirty-two teams participated in the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation (EWCF) annual four-person scramble golf tournament on August 24, 2024 at the Cottonwood Golf Course in Torrington, WY. This popular tournament, which raises funds to support the growth and success of Eastern Wyoming College and its students, took in more than $51,000 this year and crowned two top teams, both awarded trophies.
The first-place team (Denton Shaw of Torrington, Erik and Allie Eddington of Wheatland and Noelle Chapman of Cheyenne) shot a 49.12. Not far behind, the second-place team (Whit and Megan Peterson, Gerald Wilmoth and Cody Grant all from Torrington) turned in a score of 52.25.
The tournament also awarded prizes for the top eight teams. Calcutta and auction items donated by golf players and community members raised a total of $27,000, with Calcutta payout totaling about $16,000 for eight places.
“The turnout for this year’s tournament was terrific," states EWCF Executive Director, Lisa Johnson. We are grateful for the continued support from EWC alumni and community members who contribute to the tournament’s success.”
Proceeds from the tournament will help fund scholarships specifically for the newly developed EWC women's golf team. It was announced in early 2024 that EWC was adding women's golf to the Lancer athletic programs, with the goal of fielding a team in the fall. The Lancer head golf coach, Zach Smith was able to recruit seven players to the women's golf team, which is just the fourth women’s team in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 9. The men’s golf team has eleven players, which Smith will also lead.
"The golf team and I want to thank everyone involved with the tournament. It's such a great event and we are grateful for the opportunity to be involved,” states Smith. “It's also a great way for folks to meet the Lancer golfers. I know the students enjoy the event just as much as the participants. We have been practicing a lot as we get ready for our first tournament in Riverton, Sept. 5-6. Go Lancers!"
An additional activity at this year’s tournament featured EWC’s Precision Agriculture Program. EWC Agriculture instructor Matt Scott assisted with the 50/50 Drone Drop where 300 numbered golf balls were lifted by drone and dropped over a target at the golf course. The three golf balls that landed closest to the target won a prize. “This was a unique opportunity to highlight one of the great programs we offer at EWC,” states Scott. “Students who enroll in this Precision Agriculture Program can obtain their own FAA UAV pilot’s license, which is a stackable program with the two-year Precision Agriculture AAS degree.”
Full Tournament results
1st place (49.12) - Denton Shaw, Erik Eddington, Allie Eddington and Noelle Chapman
2nd place (52.25) - Whit Peterson, Megan Peterson, Gerald Wilmoth and Cody Grant
3rd place (52.62) - Merit Bunker, Kurtis Wilson, Cam Boughton and Riley Wright
4th place (53.50) - Gary Childs, Doug Haught, Julie Haught and Brian Childs
Tied for 5th place (53.62) - Rick Stapleton, Jessica Parsons, Dick Yates and Mark Shinost
Tied for 5th place (53.62) - Mark Mattis, Matt Mattis, Tina Mattis and Nathan Kendall
7th place (54.37) - Bob Lehmann, Tom Popilek, Bryan Junge and Taylor Junge
8th place (54.87) - Ryan Yung, Mark Yung, Brent Bearnson and Bryan Prosinski
The mission of the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation is to support the growth and success of Eastern Wyoming College and its students by securing and stewarding philanthropic resources. We are dedicated to promoting excellence in education, advancing access to higher education, and enhancing the academic, cultural, and athletic programs at EWC. Through strategic fundraising and community engagement, we strive to foster partnerships and create opportunities that empower our students, faculty, and staff to achieve their fullest potential and positively impact the communities we serve. Our commitment is to uphold the values of integrity, inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration as we work towards advancing the mission and vision of Eastern Wyoming College. A priority of the Foundation is to build the strongest possible relationships with its donors and communities that strengthen College and student opportunities.
The Eastern Wyoming College Foundation, established in 1964, is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization and operates under an annually reviewed memorandum of agreement with the EWC Board of Trustees. Further questions regarding this event can be directed to EWCF Executive Director, Lisa Johnson at ljohnson@ewc.wy.edu.
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