Dr. Kelly Nelson and his team shot a 16 under par to capture first place in Thursday’s Friends of Bridgeport Football golf tournament at Bridgeport Country Club.

 

Shared with teammates Mike Martin, John Rappold and Eric Moccia, the victory was sweet, but it wasn’t particularly the highlight of Nelson’s day. When asked what he liked about this annual tournament, he said “everything.”

 

“People you have known for years coming together for fun and to raise money for scholarships for local kids – in honor of three of Bridgeport’s best.  What could be better?”

 

Tournament proceeds will fund three college scholarships to be presented at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year in honor of legendary BHS Football Coach Wayne Jamison, the late Mary Reppert - a BHS teacher and advocate for the Indian football program - and BHS alum, the late Bob Reep of Reep Graphics, who founded the tournament. After his death in 2012, his name was added to the tournament title. 

 

Each of the three awards will be in the amount of $1,000.

 

The Reppert-Jamison-Reep tournament is a staple summer event in the Bridgeport community. But this year, for the first time, Friends of Bridgeport Football stepped in to help facilitate the event. Travis Jones, tournament co-director and radio voice of Indian football, said he is quite pleased with how the joining of forces played out.

 

“Really, our goal was to keep the tournament alive. People like Darletta and Steve Stout, Cookie Compton and Alice Rowe have for years run this tournament,” Jones said. “This was the 20^th year, so we certainly didn’t want to see that end. Our goal is to fund the scholarships and we were able to accomplish that goal.”

 

Golf wasn’t the only sport on the minds of the 92 golfers that played in Thursday’s tournament.

 

“Being just a month before the high school football season starts, this is a good opportunity for fans to get together and not only talk about past successes and state championships, but also talk and get excited about the upcoming season,” Jones said. “The golf tournament and the steak fry – which will take place next month – are kind of our two signature summer events.”

 

There as steak Thursday also. As they wound up their golf game – around 7 p.m. - players were treated to a steak dinner – courtesy of Steve and Steven Stout of Young and Stout.

 

Although temperatures were soaring, Jones was pleased with Thursday’s weather.

 

“As of Wednesday, there was about a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms so we were very happy,” Jones said.

After an 11:30 registration, tournament play launched at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start. With a year under their belts, organizers said they are in a position to make a few changes and host an even more efficient tournament next year.

 

“Next year it will go even smoother,” Jones said.

 

Taking second place in the tournament were the Nicewarner and Brandenburg brothers; Josh and Jason Nicewarner and Brad and Sean Brandenburg. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top is Kelly Nelson and Chris Cleghorn. Other photos of tournament were captured by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com. See more of Ben's golf tournament photos HERE.