Brian Peterson chips onto the 18th green during play at the 23rd annual Lancer Golf Classic. InkFreeNews photo by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Grace College couldn’t have asked for a better day to hold its 23rd annual Lancer Golf Classic. Under perfect skies at Stonehenge Golf Club, home course to the Lancer men’s and women’s golf programs, Grace College held its annual fundraiser.

Earning the team win with a sterling 17-under 54 in the golf scramble were Jerry Clevinger, Andy Butterbaugh, Abigail Fishel and Tom Johnson.

Grace College athletic director Chad Briscoe, situated in the lower level of the Stonehenge clubhouse as the afternoon teams made their way around the course, offered promise for a hopeful normal return to athletics. For the department, the early-August outing is designed to highlight Grace’s return to campus and athletics.

“It’s just staying consistent,” Briscoe said. “Our mission hasn’t changed in what we do in the arena of athletics to impact and shape lives for Christ. That hasn’t changed. It just may look a little different with the schedule, or the timing of a championship. As far as the overall mission, our coaches are still carrying on as normal. I think there comes an opportunity for teachable moments and life lessons that might not typically come along in a normal year. I think our coaches are hopefully excited to take these moments to mold and shape lives in a positive way.”

Briscoe also touched on Grace’s athletic situation as August unfolds, where the game play is set to begin in September, and the Crossroads League is steadfast on maintaining its stance on playing a full compliment of sports.

“Dr. Katip reminded everyone this morning that school starts in two weeks and athletes report tomorrow, so pray for them,” Briscoe said. “That’s a good thing to know that athletes are ready to report tomorrow. And working with Larry DeSimpelare, the Crossroads League commissioner, and my nine fellow colleagues in athletics in the league, we’re all pushing forward to the best of our ability with athletics in the fall. We are doing everything we can, and we are going to give it a go.

“We desire to put on athletics, we owe it to our athletes to have them play. Geographically, where we are at, the fall is a lot better for our fall sports than the spring in terms of weather, so we really feel confident. Indiana seems to be becoming stable, and as we look at things, we feel like we are in a good place. We’re looking forward to getting started with our events here on Sept. 5.”

Winning the team title at the Lancer Golf Classic are, from left to right, Stonehenge general manager Denny Hepler, Jerry Clevenger, Andy Butterbaugh, Tom Johnson, Abigail Fishel and Grace athletic director Chad Briscoe. Photo provided