Tournament raises money for WSU scholarships

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Grant County community and the Washington State athletic department gathered in Moses Lake Tuesday to participate in the Grant County Cougar Club’s 2009 Moses Lake Cougar Golf Classic tournament at the Moses Lake Golf Club.

Washington State coaches, athletes, and fans gathered at the Moses Lake Golf Club to raise more than $20,000 for the Washington State Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund, said Cougar Golf Classic Coordinator David Thomsen.

“We raised in excess of $20,000 today,” he said.

Thomsen knew the 2009 Cougar Golf Classic would be a success, he just didn’t know the tournament would be as successful as it was.

“The tournament went great,” he said. “We had better than expected participation and the scores were better than expected.”

The team of Charlie Hawkins, Rich Bailey, Mike Hodgson, Rick Knowles and Washington State University representative Ben McLuen shot a 52 to take the first-place title.

Garth Dano, Dave Heaverlo, Keith Lincoln and Washington State University representatives Mike Levenseller and Gordon Cordo finished second as a team.

Washington State head football coach Paul Wulff participated in the Cougar Golf Classic and he said he believed the event was a success.

“It was a great, great day,” he said. “The tournament ran smoothly.”

More than 100 golfers participated in the 2009 Cougar Golf Classic and Wulff said it was nice to see everyone gather to support Washington State University athletics.

“It is always a special day when people come together for the same cause,” he said.

The Moses Lake Cougar Golf Classic brought together current Washington State coaches such as Wulff and women’s head basketball coach June Daugherty.

Legendary Washington State football coach and current Cougars football color commentator Jim Walden also attended Tuesday’s tournament.

Thomsen said he was proud to bring numerous Washington State coaches — past and present — together in Moses Lake.

“I think it’s a great opportunity when you have a tournament like this and bring so many coaches together,” he said. “Not many communities in eastern Washington have this opportunity. We enjoyed (it).”

Daugherty addressed those in attendance during Tuesday night’s dinner and banquet, and she said she was proud to be a member of the Washington State family.

“(I am) very proud to represent Washington State women’s basketball,” she said.

Daugherty recruited Moses Lake graduate Carly Noyes to Washington State and Daugherty believes the women’s program is headed in the right direction.

“We are getting better,” she said. “We aren’t good yet. We are trying to get to the NCAA (tournament) and we are off to a good start. I think we are going to have a great season.”