Volunteers of the Collegiate Tournament
You have heard from coaches and players, now it's time to hear from those who put on the show!
The Colleton River Colligate Tournament has taken place every March for THIRTEEN years. Colleton River residents, Willa Thiess and her late husband, Al, started the tournament to help give back to their alma mater Michigan State. With how popular it has become, it can be hard to believe that at one point the event was hardly advertised!
This year, the event had 193 members volunteer in the following categories: Housing of Players/Coaches/Officials, Snack Bakers, Greeters/Hospitality, Ball Spotters/ Tee Box Paddles, Scorers, Cart Runners/Shuttles, Set up and Take Down/Clean up.
Sally Stevens - Food & Beverage, Volunteer Greeters, Hospitality
"I have bakers and greeters. Well, they just love to see the kids smile and see them come up and get goodies…every one of the people that has signed up over the years, a lot of them keep coming back. Several this year said ‘I’m so disappointed we’re going to be out of town. I don’t know why we scheduled this’…It’s been fun to watch it blossom. Early on there were probably just spotters as volunteers. In the last 7 we’ve just kept growing and growing – we had 48 host homes this year!"
Mike Reever - Volunteer
"This was the 4th year we have been involved in housing the teams, spotting, score keeping and other activities in support of the Collegiate. It's something we look forward to every year and make sure to plan our schedules accordingly! We initially got involved in 2019 to support what sounded like a fun idea. We stay involved because we truly enjoy hosting the players and coaches in our home. It's fun to get to know them and a couple of times have had the same players stay with us consecutive years. What we really enjoy are the daily group breakfasts, team dinners or just having them come in and chat with us at the end or the day. It's a great opportunity to get to know and connect with some fine young men. All of the players/coaches we have hosted has an open invitation to stay in our home anytime."
Lee Irving - Volunteer Ball Spotters, Head Starter on Day 2
"Before we had the great committee structure that Tom Eagan has led, I helped organize my friends to spot for the players and help out in any way I could. I have now been the Chairman of the Spotters for the tournament and continue to be in that role. The new committee structure and all the volunteer participation has really expanded the attraction of the Colleton Collegiate Tournament.... The best comment is that we have the best tournament that they play in all year. The committee and all the volunteers put a great amount of effort into improving this tournament every year."
Joe Bush - Volunteer Scorers, Golf Committee liaison
"After joining the committee, I quickly found out why this tournament runs so well. The members on the committee, led by Tom Eagan, are incredibly committed. We leave no stone unturned and we are always trying to figure out ways to improve all aspects of the tournament.
The support of the Colleton River community is what makes this tournament so special, whether members are volunteering during the tournament, hosting players and coaches, generously donating financially to the Charitable Foundation or just coming out to cheer for the players. It all contributes to this very unique tournament in college golf."
Cathy Baldwin - Volunteer
"What a fun time being part of Joe Bush’s team of scorers for the Colleton River Collegiate tournament …the cold winds Sunday morning didn’t dampen my husband’s/my fun. The enthusiasm of the players and parents was infectious and what could be better than being surrounded by such natural beauty and good friends. But Monday’s job as “air traffic controller” on Hole 4 was the crescendo — waving on the players’ balls for the spotters to locate was uber-thrilling. Made me feel a part of the game."
Check out the new website for more information: https://www.colletonrivercollegiate.com/