By Bob Holmes

As golf carts carrying 116 golfers headed for the links at the Columbia Country Club, claps and cheers went up from dozens of volunteers at the annual CIU Golf Classic — as well as some good-natured ribbing.    

As the golf cart with CIU Golf Coach Tucker MacDonald rolled by, CIU Women’s Basketball Coach Danielle Fleming shouted:

“We’re rooting for you, Tucker. If you don’t win …”

“Don’t come back,” added Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Stockman, bringing a round of laughter.

A bright autumn sun took some of the chill out of the 55-degree morning air for the third annual Classic that raises funds for CIU Athletics. The event was moved from spring because of COVID concerns in May.  

Joining the golfers on the course was CIU President Dr. Mark Smith who welcomed the crowd as did CIU’s new Athletics Director Darren Ritchie.

It was a fun day that brought out a couple of former South Carolina mayors; Michael Ross of Blythewood and Randy Halfacre of Lexington, who serves as a community ambassador for CIU. As they warmed up their game on the putting green, they also warmed up their comedy routine. When asked, “Which one of you is better?” They pointed at each other and laughed in unison, “Oh, he is.” Halfacre quickly added, “But if you’re talking about an election, it would be me,” as more laughter erupted.

But not only was it a fun day, it was a day of robust competition. Check out the results and more details of the event on the CIU Rams website.

What’s your sport? Excitement is growing on the CIU campus with an expanding athletics program. Discover more at CIURams.com. Request information on enrollment or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.