Grace Celebrates 20th Lancer Classic
WARSAW – Grace College athletic director Chad Briscoe paused for a moment, just a moment, Monday afternoon and let it sink in. Ever on the go and always looking to improve on the gold to which he often touches, Briscoe smiled when remarking on the commencement of the 20th annual Grace College Lancer Classic golf fundraiser at Stonehenge Golf Club.
“It’s hard to believe we have had 20 of these, but at the same time, this is one of the best opportunities for us to bring the Grace community together,” Briscoe said between bites of a well-deserved snack Monday afternoon. “We love having the chance to bring the community here, share some fellowship, play a little golf, and just enjoy each other’s company.”
Stonehenge, home of the men’s and women’s golf programs, once again hosted the event, which saw the Florida scramble format offer the very difficult course to the supporters of Grace College athletics. The team of WCHS senior Sam Yeager, former Grace College and WCHS star Jon Schram, current WCHS boys coach and former clubhouse champion Rich Haddad, and friend of Grace Michael Hartstine shoot an eyepopping 54 for the 18-hole outing.
While the golf took center stage on Monday, proceeds from the event will help fund and facilitate the general Grace College athletic program. Some of Grace’s most visible dignitaries were on hand Monday including Briscoe, men’s basketball coach Jim Kessler and a host of current Grace coaches, Grace College president Bill Katip and special guest Larry DeSimpelare, commissioner of the Crossroads League.
“It’s important that we have support from outside the walls of the athletic programs,” Briscoe said. “We had Bill Katip here playing and showing support. Larry (DeSimpelare) from the Crossroads League was here, which was a real treat. We had our women’s soccer players helping in the morning, which allows the community members to not only see them serve, but to meet them up close and not just at a game.”
The Lancer Classic ushers in the new season of Grace College athletics, and the school year as a whole. While students are still filing into campus and getting acquainted, the athletic department has already been drilling deep into the new calendar and preparing for what should be another very exciting year in Winona Lake.
“It’s what we all love about the fall on campus,” noted Briscoe. “Everything is new. New teams. New freshmen on campus. The coaches all come together, and we talk about the culture of our programs. What are we trying to cultivate? How can we make Grace College a community. Events like this certainly help that by showing off what we are about in a setting most people can appreciate, which is a gorgeous golf course on an even better day outside.”