Nov. 10, 2005

Concordville, PA - October is the month historically known to celebrate the ghosts and goblins of Halloween.  October has also become the official month to recognize and support the fight against breast cancer.  On October 31, 2005 the Neumann College golf team and athletic department answered this call.

 

            Using a format similar to the Golf Channel's reality show, "The Big Break" members of the golf team and the athletic department met at Concord Country Club to take their swings against breast cancer.  In this format each contestant was tested on four golf skills.  The first test was a drive off the tee for distance and accuracy.  The second shot tested the accuracy of a contestant's mid-iron game while the third skill tested was a wedge shot.  The final test came on the putting green where each contestant could select from three putts.  Contestants were awarded points for each of their successful shots.  The winner would be the contestant with the most points at the end of the challenge.

 

            The winner of the First Annual Neumann Golf Challenge was Greg Warrington.  Warrington is a sophomore at Neumann.  His victory came in overtime as both he and Matt LaPenta the captain of the golf team finished tied for the lead at the end of regulation.  To determine the winner both Gregg and Matt had to putt one last time.  Using a 50 foot "lag" putt as the tie-breaker Warrington and LaPenta squared off with Warrington's putt coming within a few inches of the hole itself.

 

            As a first time event the Neumann Golf Challenge could not have gone any better.  Not only did the participants have a good time but their effort raised a nice donation for breast cancer.  Director of Athletics, Chuck Sack explained, "This was a terrific event.  When Coach Sill first brought the idea to me I was unsure how it would work, but after today I am hoping to make this an annual event.  We had eleven great golfers who gave their time, shared their talents and raised money for a terrific cause."  

 

According to the American Cancer Society a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.  It is estimated that about 212,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2005.  The entrance fee to participate in the Neumann Golf Challenge was $100.  Through sponsorships and the eleven participants Neumann was able to raise $1500 for breast cancer research and awareness to help everyone impacted by this disease.