By Stephen Smoot
Cancer strikes as a pitiless and relentless foe, ravaging the lives of its victims and their loved ones.
Against such a powerful enemy, many have risen to take up the fight against it. That includes, for the past 23 years, the Relay for Life golf tournament at Valley View.
With April showers in the rear view mirror, at least temporarily, Mother Nature dispensed one of her perfect days. A perfect blue sky, light clouds, temperatures worthy of the season, and a light breeze caressed the course as competitors played to support a great cause and perhaps also earn prizes.
Those included seven individual skills prizes, such as closest to the pin on five separate holes, longest drive, and most accurate drive.
First place team winners received $175 per person plus a trophy. Second place got $125 plus a trophy while third earned a foursome at Rocky Gap along with Grant County Bank merchandise.
The tournament also raised money via a silent auction. Twelve items auctioned off were foursomes at regional golf establishments in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Other items included passes to a wine tasting, a mirror, and a cooler.
Last year the tournament raised $13,000 to help to pay for research into treating and curing cancer. Grant County Bank this year set a goal of $15,000, “thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players.” Many area businesses, organizations, and individuals stepped up to support the effort.
Those who won the closest to the pin prize were Tyler Finch on hole three, Tom Mathias on six, Adam Berg on 13, Donnie Coby on 15, and Corey Fultz on 17.
Rick Ours had the longest drive and Bob Simmons the most accurate drive.
The foursome winning first place was Trent Borror, Matt Riggleman, Lucas Riggleman, and Payton Berg. Second place went to Jordan Ours, Bill Ours, Ethan Slaubaugh, and Ryan Spotts. Earl Snyder, Jim Burton, Mark Adolphson, and Bob Simmons took home third place.
In the silent auction, Scott Gossard won the golf foursome prize at Canaan Valley, Oakland, Alpine Lake, Blue Ridge, Four Seasons, Bryce, and Massanutten. Todd Hare was awarded foursomes from Packsaddle, and Ironwood. Earl Snyder took those from Shenandoah and Cacapon, while James Huber received the foursome from Highlands and also the Central Tie cooler. Matt Martin received the Busch Light mirror and Sarah Nottingham the Wines for Humanity tasting pass.
Grant County Bank afterward expressed appreciation toward “our incredible sponsors,” and also shared “our deepest gratitude to all the amazing golfers and generous sponsors who participated in our 23rd Annual Relay for Life Golf Tournament! Your support and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and we’re honored to have you as part of our community.”
