Marauder Athletics Golf Classic brings community together in support of Central State student-athletes

Central State University Athletics brought alumni, supporters, coaches and student-athletes together Aug. 28 for the inaugural Marauder Athletics Golf Classic Scramble at Jasper Hills Golf Club, launching a new tradition designed to strengthen community connections and generate scholarship support across the athletic department.

About 40 golfers across 10 groups participated in the first-year event, which Central State Director of Athletics Kevicia Brown described as the realization of a vision she had shared with Head Golf Coach William Ware early in his tenure.

“I can only describe today as dreaming with my eyes open,” Brown said. “This was something that I told Coach Ware I wanted to do at the start of his tenure at Central State, and finally being able to see it in reality, it’s been very rewarding.”

While golf provided the backdrop, Brown said the event was designed to benefit student-athletes throughout Marauder Athletics. Proceeds from donations and sponsorships will support scholarships across the department.

A footprint for fellowship and scholarship

For Brown, the Golf Classic offered something that a packed stadium or competitive arena cannot always provide: time for supporters, students and members of the University community to connect personally.

Golf, she said, creates opportunities for conversation and relationship-building that can extend well beyond the course.

“It’s a chance to connect back with the community personally and not in an arena space with screaming fans,” Brown said. “Not only creating a footprint for fellowship, but creating a footprint for scholarship.”

Brown said the inaugural scramble is intended to become an annual Marauder Athletics tradition, with donations and sponsorship support directed toward scholarships for athletic programs.

The event also demonstrated the reach of the Marauder community. Brown played alongside Central State alumnus Larry Kelly, who traveled from Cincinnati to participate and has remained engaged with student-athletes beyond financial support.

Brown said that type of involvement demonstrates why giving to Marauder Athletics cannot be measured only in dollars.

“Everything matters, and I’m not even talking about monetarily,” Brown said. “When we talk about giving, it’s time, too. … It’s not just giving money. It’s giving your time. It’s volunteering to help with things that we have going on.”

 

Student-athletes at the center

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Central State student-athletes played an active role throughout the scramble, volunteering at hole contests, greeting participants, carrying golf bags and helping golfers prepare their carts.

Brown said intentionally involving students from across the department was important because the event was created to support more than the golf program.

“Today is about scholarships for the entire department,” Brown said. “Although it’s paired with golf, which is a sport that we have, this is for all of them to move forward in support of all of the programs.”

Ware said those interactions can create opportunities that extend far beyond athletics. Meeting donors, alumni and community members gives students opportunities to build relationships that can later translate into internships, careers and mentorship.

“This event helps because it gets students engaged,” Ware said. “When they’re able to come out and volunteer and help and meet donors, it is huge when it comes to opportunities in jobs, in their career and just moving forward in life.”

That approach reflects Ware’s emphasis on preparing student-athletes for success after graduation. Ware said he works to connect his golfers with internships each year and places a strong emphasis on academics and career preparation. The golf team posted a 3.67 GPA last year, according to Ware.

“The purpose of this particular golf outing is not only to raise money, but to be able to network and use those opportunities like today to be able to help out students,” Ware said.

Building a stronger Marauder Athletics

The Golf Classic also served as an opportunity to build momentum as Central State entered a new athletic year.

Brown said support from alumni, fans, community members and corporate partners is essential to the continued growth of Marauder Athletics — whether that support comes through financial contributions, attendance, volunteering or mentorship.

“We cannot sustain or move forward without the support of everybody,” Brown said. “It doesn’t take just athletics. It takes everybody supporting athletics, everybody supporting Central State, and that’s how we move the needle forward.”

That support, she said, touches Central State Athletics’ pursuit of excellence in competition, academics, leadership and community engagement.

Brown said she is encouraged by the progress of Marauder programs and is looking ahead to championship opportunities and graduation celebrations throughout the year. She also envisions a larger athletic department in the years ahead, including potentially adding sports that would provide additional opportunities for students and allow Central State to compete in more conference-sponsored championships.

“We’re on the tip of the iceberg right now, and I feel like this year we’re going to have a lot of things to celebrate,” Brown said. “And not just championships — graduation. That’s one of my favorite parts.”

The beginning of a new tradition

For Ware, the turnout at Jasper Hills represented a foundation Central State can build upon.

The inaugural scramble featured 10 groups and approximately 40 golfers. Ware said his goal is to expand participation to 18 teams at a future outing.

“This is just the beginning to what is going to happen annually,” Ware said. “I’m looking forward to next year, and we’re going to get more golfers out playing next year.”

Brown echoed that invitation, emphasizing that the scramble welcomes golfers across experience levels and is ultimately about bringing people together around Central State.

“Come on out,” Brown said. “It’s only going to get better. This is our first year, and it was a great turnout. … Golf is a conversation starter, but it’s also something that can be fun for people and bring people together.”

Ware thanked the supporters who helped make the inaugural event possible and encouraged them to continue showing up for Central State’s student-athletes throughout the year.

“The more support that we get, the better our athletic department will be,” Ware said.

Golf Classic winners

The day concluded with recognition of several participants for their performances on the course. Tim Davis earned the Men’s Longest Drive award, while Felicia Bibbs earned Women’s Longest Drive honors.

Bibbs, Jeff Mims and Kenny Cobb finished as the scramble runners-up. The team of Tim Davis, Paul Brown, Dennis Alford and Kenneth Watson captured the inaugural Marauder Athletics Golf Classic Scramble championship.

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