Former Calgary Flame Lanny McDonald made an appearance at the annual Olds College Heritage Fall Golf Classic held in support of the school's athletics program on Sept. 11.
McDonald was invited to the event by Jordan Cleland, vice-president of advancement at the college, and he said he thought it was a great opportunity to support athletics.
“I got asked by (Cleland) if I would come up and help celebrate the 100th anniversary at the golf tournament and my brother Lynn has been involved for 37-and-a-half years at the college and I thought what a perfect way to help put something back into the community,” he said.
The tournament raised more than $62,000 after expenses. One hundred fifty-five golfers took to the links at the Olds Golf Club, with a waiting list to participate.
“We were sold out a month in advance. We had glorious weather, so we hit all our benchmarks in terms of putting on a classic, centennial signature event for the benefit of Broncos athletics,” said Kerry Moynihan, manager of centennial events at the college.
Moynihan said Broncos athletics heavily depends on the golf tournament to fund its programs.
Bob Murray, director of athletics, health and wellness at the college, said that while the tournament is critical for funding the teams, it also provides an opportunity for the athletes to get into the community. Forty student athletes were out on the course greeting players at various points, as well as turf management students who were also on hand.
“We get to see the patrons who help us out day to day to make things happen for Broncos athletics, so it's a great opportunity,” Murray said. “And having the student athletes out on the course talking to all the golfers coming through, what a great opportunity for them to mingle with the patrons who help make Broncos athletics succeed.”
