By By Marty Stamper / sports writer
July 26, 2002
When Lindsey Hall first began planning a golf tournament in memory of former West Lauderdale and East Mississippi Community College basketball coach Steve Hull, he expected maybe 80 players to participate.
But when the first-annual Steve Hull Memorial Golf Tournament, a.k.a. "The Hully," teed up Thursday morning on the Azaleas Course at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at Choctaw, some 132 players competed in honor and remembrance of their coach, their rival, their former teammate, their co-worker, their friend.
Hull, 39, died of a heart attack while playing Dancing Rabbit last October.
Among those playing Thursday were junior college basketball coaches Marty Cooper of Itawamba, Bill Smith of East Central, Robert McInnis of Jones, Bubba Skelton of Northwest Mississippi, and Richard Mathis of Pearl River. Former juco hoops coach Marc Dukes, now at Ole Miss, also played. They might battle each other throughout the school year, but there is no more loyal group than the state's juco coaches.
Four four-player teams from East Mississippi remembered Hull with their presence.
Hall credited EMCC men's basketball coach Clay Armstrong and EMCC sports information student worker Cassie Chance for their input in helping plan and coordinate the event whose proceeds will go to a fund to provide a college education for Hull's children, Trex and Baleigh. Thursday's tournament is expected to put between $5,000-$6,000 in that fund.
Hall also had praise for the Dancing Rabbit personnel. "The people up here always do everything first class."
First place went to the team of Harry Harrison, Roger Jordan, Mark Newell, and Steve Stewart on a scorecard playoff. They shot a 16-under 56 as did the team of Hall, Mathis, Robert Frazier, and Darrel Chancelor.
Third place went to Judge Little, Jody Hurst, Steve Hampton, and Mike Federico with a 57. In fourth, also with a 57, was the team of Steve Simmons, Andy Woidtke, David Blount, and Doug Lauderdale.
Taking fifth was the team of Jim Redgate, Lou Hart, Kelly Swain, and H.G. Weddington. In sixth place was the team of Andy Lucovich, Dennis Foster, Randy Pool, and Allen Kimbrell.
As Hull's father said before play began, "Steve always said his riches were his friends."
One hopes he knew just how rich he really was. For those who played, Thursday left no room for doubt.
For those who would like to contribute, call Lindsey Hall at 601-703-2091 for further details.
Phillips, Posey make Cup
Leigh Phillips and Pam Posey of Meridian played their way onto the Mississippi Cup Team for the 2002 Southeastern Women's Amateur Team Championships recently. They qualified at Colonial Country Club in Jackson.
This year's championships will be held at West Palm Beach, Fla., at the PGA National Course.
Local trio fares well
Three Meridian youngsters did well in the recent Pros of Tomorrow Tournament at Tupelo Country Club.
Brok Hollingshead of Meridian won the 12-13 year old division with a 36-hole score of 157. Clay Bounds of Meridian was third in that age group with a 162. Joseph Spinosa of Madison took second with a 160.
Chad Bounds of Meridian won the 11-under division with an 83. His age group played nine holes each day.
Scott Tashie of Memphis won the 16-18 year old division with an even-par 144. Josh Clements of Houma, La., was second with a 146.
Matt Fast of Hattiesburg won the 14-15 age group with a 150. Chase Trichell of Natchitoches, La., was second.
Three-man four-ball winners
The team of Joel Nelson, Steve Nelson, and Neil Pettigrew won the Three-Man Four-Ball Tournament at Decatur Country Club last weekend with a 24-under par 264. The two lowest scores on each hole counted for the team score.
Second place went to Randy McElhenney, Chris Clark, and Timmy Coats with a 21-under 267.
Upcoming tournaments
Newton Country Club will host its men's club championship, Saturday-Sunday.
Northwood will host its annual Two Ladies Scramble on Saturday with a 9 a.m. start. Entry fee is $85 per team. For more information, call Helen Maples at 601-483-7459 or the Northwood Pro Shop at 601-483-5551.
Dancing Rabbit will also host a sectional qualifying tournament for the 102nd U.S. Amateur Championship, Aug. 5-6.
The first-annual Alzheimer's Association Golf Tournament is scheduled for Aug. 10 at Lakeview Golf Course. The three-man 18-hole scramble has an 8:30 a.m. tee time. Entry fee is $120 per team which includes cart fee and a T-shirt. For more information, call Richie Camp at 601-693-3301 or Elizabeth Bridwell at 601-483-4566.
The third-annual Newton County Individual Medal Play Championship is slated for Aug. 10-11 at Union Golf Club. The field is limited to the first 72 golfers from Newton County 16 years of age and older. Entry fee is $35. For more information, call Otha Kennedy at 601-774-5734.
The Shorty Moss Memorial Chicken Tournament is scheduled for Aug. 10-11 at Forest Country Club. Entry fee for the three-person scramble is $75 per player. Carts are $10 per person per day. Private carts are welcome. Players must be at least 18 years old.
The field for the 27th-annual Philadelphia Country Club Four-Ball, Aug. 16-18, is already full with a waiting list already established.
Persons wishing to contribute information for this column can fax that info to 601-485-1275 attention Marty Stamper.