Celebrities including Golden State Warrior and 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, NBA Hall of Famer Gary “The Glove” Payton, Los Angeles Lakers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw ’83, former Oakland Raider running back Charlie Smith and new Warriors Assistant Coach/Player Development Willie Green joined in the effort to raise funds for the Transforming Lives Fund for Financial Aid by participating in the Dragon Golf Classic.
The celebrities were among 114 golfers who participated in the event, held at the Claremont Country Club on September 19.
All proceeds from the tournament will help provide much needed funds to deserving students. O’Dowd provides $3 million in financial aid to roughly 350 students annually.
“I understand the importance of being able to provide support for those who can’t afford tuition, so bringing our celebrity friends and old classmates together with that purpose in mind is what this is all about,” said Shaw, a Dragon Classic Committee member.
“The funds raised at our golf tournament will have a life-long impact on the lives of current and future students,” O’Dowd President Steve Phelps added.
After checking in, the golfers were treated to lunch, courtesy of Shaw’s Texas Style BBQ, then enjoyed an array of delicious on course food and beverages. A 19th Hole Reception, featuring a taco bar, beverages, live music, provided by Mojo Alley (which includes O’Dowd parent Jay Shilliday), and a Silent Auction, capped the day.
The Dragon Classic featured a shamble format, which combines elements of a scramble with elements of stroke play.
Tournament winners included: 1st flight – Matt Heafey ’84 , Joe Pinkowski ’84 , John Valva ’84 and Dave Shimada ’84 (100); 2nd flight – Tom Moglia ’81 , Paul O’Connell ’80 , Greg O’Connell, Steven Smith ’80 (98); and 3rd flight – Ray Malgradi, Jim Moran ’69 , Chuck Santana and Steve Song (94).
Contest winners included: Long Drive #18 – Tony Ronzone ’83 (men) and Ann Stoner (women); Accurate Drive #11 – Jim Moran ’69 ; Closest to Pin #10 – Justin Salter at 2’1″ (men) and Kate Mahoney ’06 at 28′ (women); Putting Contest: Dave Norman ’03 1st, Mary Anne Cernec 2nd, and Mike Norman ’99 and Ron Brown, tied for 3rd.
Strong Alumni Presence
A large group of alumni participated in the golf tournament including Eric Bjornson ’90, Jeff Brown ’91, Nick Bruno ’76, Steve Callaway ’80, Steve Cramer ’76, Jamila Crockett ’91, Kelly Cronin ’80, Pat Cronin ’76, Christian DeMarais ’83, Tom Doherty ’73, Robert Enea ’76, Franz Fink ’83, Danielle Gaul ’11, Nicole Ghiglieri ’09, Stephen Ghiglieri ’79, Stuart Gruendl ’79, Joel Guthrie ’56, Matt Heafey ’84, Kevin Hester ’88, Sheila Coffey Kilty ’79, Jason Maas ’81, Kevin Maas ’83, Kate Mahoney ’06, Robert Mahoney ’76, Craig Makela ’82, Tyler McDaniel ’15, Brice McKeever ’90,Tom Moglia ’81, Peter Monroe ’83, Jim Moran ’69, Jim Murphy ’80, Tom Murphy ’80, Leon Natsues ’84, David Norman ’03, Mike Norman ’99, Paul O’Connell ’80, Dhruv Patel ’04, Joe Pinkowski ’84, Andrew Restivo ’09, Brian Rogers ’91, Tony Ronzone ’83, Dave Shimada ’84, Steve Smith ’80, Andrew Spellman ’06, Darryl Sudduth ’69, John Valva ’84, and Tim Walsh ’73.
Other alums who served as committee members, volunteers, or attended the 19th Hole Reception included Mark Deadder ’85, Mike Deadder ’84, Danielle Ghiglieri ’79, Joanne Ghiglieri ’79, Kelsie Halstenrud ’12, Don Keeley ’68, Pam Edwards Kelly ’80, Chris Kuesel ’89, Mark Leyva ’76, Lisa Coffey Mahoney ’76, Lou Richie ’89, Alyssa Rollins ’12, Liwayway Berry Ronzone ’83, Charlotte Beyda Rushing ’76, Mark Wayland ’88 and Dana Young ’83,
Sponsor Recognition
Tremendous thanks and appreciation goes to the following event sponsors:
$5,000 Margarita/Cerveza Hole Sponsor: Stanley M. Davis & Company, Molly and Leon ’84 Natsues
$3,000 Mulligan Sponsor: Armanino LLP, Andrew Armanino ’83
$1,500 Hole Sponsors: O’Dowd Class of 1983; and Pacific Diversified Insurance Services, Inc., Steve Callaway ’80
$500 Putting Green Sponsor: Bay Alarm Company, Dave Olofson; Kingston College Consulting, Michelle Brinnon; and Larsen Lumber, Sam Larsen
Hole in One Sponsor: FH Dailey Chevrolet, San Leandro, Jim Moran ’69