2016 Bowtie Classic

2016 Bowtie Classic raises nearly $24,000 to support La Crosse schools

Presented by

Other major sponsors

Matt Marohl tees off as Wally Gnewikow Jr., associate principal at Logan High School, awaits his turn at the 2016 Bowtie Classic. PHOTO by Nick Marcou

In near-perfect weather, 91 golfers joined the fun and fundraising for the fourth Charlie Miller Bowtie Classic Golf Outing and Knowledge Open, held Sept. 3 at Forest Hills Golf Course.

The number of golfers was a record, as was the total fundraising: a net of nearly $24,000 was raised to benefit the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. Proceeds go to support classroom grants and other important projects.

The golf outing is the largest annual fundraising event for LPEF and honors the late Dr. Charles Miller III, a foundation co-founder and a longtime member of the Board of Education for the School District of La Crosse. Dr. Miller — who was known for his signature bowties — was a surgeon at what is now Gundersen Health System. He died unexpectedly while playing racquetball in May 2011.

Susan Miller, left, and Jeanie Everson toured the course selling raffle tickets. Here they enjoy a few moments with Eric Check, dean of students at Lincoln Middle School.

Susan Miller, wife of the late Dr. Miller, as well as their daughter Jeanie Everson, were on hand to join the festivities and also help sponsor the event. Susan and Jeanie made the rounds of the beautifully remodeled Forest Hills, selling raffle tickets and greeting golfers. The Miller Family sponsored free golf for two teams of La Crosse middle school students who played at the event.

Logan High Senior Anthony Vang asks a question for the Knowledge Open portion of the Bowtie Classic.

Teams compete not just on golf skills in the scramble format. The event includes a unique feature: the Knowledge Open Challenge. At various holes on the course, questions are asked by National Honor Society students. Each event foursome, as a team, answers the questions during its round of play. Teams’ final scores are based on their golf game as well as their performance on the quiz.

Teams play for the benefit of schools in the School District of La Crosse, with the first-place team winning a $500 grant for a school. Second prize was $250. Third prize was $125 and the highest-scoring team also won $125 for a school. Awards were sponsored by Fowler & Hammer, which also provided support to discount registration fees for school teams, and for student foursomes.

Here are the winning foursomes:

Mike Regner with Superintendent of Schools Randy Nelson, Associate Superintendent Troy Harcey and Interim Central High School Principal Troy McDonald – won first place and $500 for Central High. PHOTO by Nick Marcou

Joe Ledvina, District supervisor of buildings and grounds, is joined by Clint Selle of Bray Architects, plus Ryan Ledvina and Jerry Ball – they won second place and $250 for Northside Elementary School. PHOTO by Nick Marcou

Doug Zumach, Adam Wershofen, Brian Doermann, Steve Berg — this Festival Foods team won third place and $125 for State Road Elementary School. PHOTO by Nick Marcou

Natalie Schreader, Jodi Mahlum, Jax Mahlum and Taylor Rakes – won $125 for Lincoln Middle School by finishing with the highest score at the Bowtie Classic. PHOTO by Nick Marcou

: Michael Garves, Tammy Larson, Ryan Grobe, Jason Vaughn represented Coulee Bank, the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Bowtie Classic. Tammy is also president of the Board of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation.

: Joe Zoellner, Emilie Watson, Mike Gargaro, Amanda Waters, representing Coulee Bank.

: Scott Mihalovic, Matt Marohl, Walter Gnewikow Jr., Kurt Baumgarten.

: Kelli Laufenberg, Sydney Hulbert, Susan Hulbert, Steven Hulbert.

: Representing the La Crosse Tribune – Erik Daily, Allan Swift, Mike Tighe, and Editor Rusty Cunningham .

: Robert Carney, Chris Haskell, Ken Koelsch, Linda Pake, playing for Marine Credit Union.

: Michelle Powell, Denise Shedivy, Lisa Schreiner, Dereck Fuglsang.

: Brent Wilkerson, Beau Elston, Josh Buxton, Kevin Hooper.

: Ken French, Richard Bean, Woody Wiedenhoeft, Lad Doolittle.

: Nick Pica, Joe Pica, Sam Pica, Jay Pica.

: Jerry Seeger, Janice Seeger, Sarah Blanton, KJ Blanton.

: Max Harcey, Floyd Thomas, Jake Perner.

: Alex Gavarilos, Juian Erickson, Jake Erickson.

: Eric Check, Travis Check, Chester Janke, Adam Peterson.

: Adam Olson, Kaleb Lycke, Jack Katlowski, Don Lycke.

: Dirk Hunter, Mark Hunter, Bill Hoel, Carl Shedivy.

: Cole Losen, Jake Kirchner, Courtney Kirchner.

: Alex Powell, Evan Lamb, Greg Rediske, Matt Haese, representing Festival Foods.

: Luther Olson, Adam Keer, Dave Farrow, Curt Greeno, playing for Marine Credit Union.

: The Coulee Bank team answers a Knowledge Open question.

: Superintendent of Schools Randy Nelson tees off.

Special thanks to Nick Marcou, District Community Outreach Coordinator, for taking photos at the Bowtie Classic.

The 2016 Bowtie Classic was presented by Coulee Bank.

Other major sponsors included: Marine Credit Union, Festival Foods, LHI and the Weber Family Foundation, Mathy Construction, GO Riteway and the La Crosse Tribune.

This 2016 Honda Civic LX Sedan greeted players at the tee box for Hole No. 7. Unfortunately, no one hit a hole in one.

Players had the chance to win a new an All New 2016 Honda Civic LX Sedan with a hole in one on Hole No. 7 — sponsored by Honda Motorwerks.

Raffle prizes: Forest Hills Golf Course, Roger LeGrand, Fred Kusch, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Masters Building Solutions

Hole contest prizes provided by: Northland Golf (2), Schmidty’s, Dublin Square, Judy Sleik, Shawn Dutchin and Tammy Larson

Water provided by: Gillette Pepsi-Cola Bottling of La Crosse

Special thanks to Central and Logan National Honor Society students for helping with today’s Knowledge Open.

Bowtie Classic Chairman: Superintendent Randy Nelson. Planning committee: Dick Swantz, Jerry Kember, Ken French, Tammy Larson, Shawn Dutchin, Keith Stoll, Steve Hole, Fred Kusch, David Stoeffler

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