The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
College hosts scholarship golf outing
Members of the Lorain County Community College Foundation were joined by Cleveland athletes Aug. 14 during the 33rd annual Jack Nicklaus Scholarship Golf Outing. Only, these Cleveland stars weren’t known for their golf.
“I have been with the scholarship benefit for eight years now, and every year I try to help find a good guest to make this day more enjoyable,” says Jimmy Hanlin, a PGA golf pro known for his work on shows like “Blaster’s 18 Holes” and “Swing Clinic.” “We have had numerous golf champions come out in the past, but as I was thinking this year, I said to myself, ya know I’ll be honest, when I get the day off the most enjoyable time golfing I have is when I play with former Cleveland athletes.”
Enter Tim Alcorn, Austin Carr, Rick Manning and Campy Russell.
Those familiar with Cleveland sports will recognize their names as Carr and Russell both played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Manning for the Indians and Alcorn as the Cavs’ play-by-play radio announcer.
Each is known as a professional in their own sports, but when they’re not on the field, in the box or on the court, one of their favorite things to do is play some golf.
“This is my 13th year doing this, and I have to really congratulate the college on what it takes to give these scholarships and what it means to me,” says Carr. “With what our country is going through and what we’re doing, education is so important, you gotta get an education and LCCC is the place for that.”
As for the golf side of things, Carr says he often spends time with Hanlin learning the tricks of the trade.
Besides sharing their love of golf, the Cleveland athletes also share a love and dedication for education, making them the perfect celebrities to grace the golf outing benefit.
“LCCC was a huge part of my early adulthood and really spurred me on to my broadcast
ing career,” says Alcorn, a 1983 graduate of the college. “I never knew walking around the campus as an 18 year old that I would become the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers but somehow it all came to fruition and this college is a part of that.”
The Jack Nicklaus Scholarship Golf Outing began in 1989 when Judge Joseph Cirigliano approached good friend and golf partner Jack Nicklaus to come to the Elyria Country Club to support the local community college.
The pair had known each other for a few years by then, and Nicklaus captivated Cirigliano with his determination and commitment to education. Since that day, the benefit has been held as an annual tournament raising funds for scholarships to LCCC.
In addition to the outing, LCCC Foundation also honored longtime member and former Chair Emeritus Tom Smith who died earlier this year. His wife,
Linda, was joined by her family as she was presented a memorial gift from the college in honor of Tim.
“Tom has helped spearhead this scholarship
benefit and we are very thankful for him and his family,” says Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D., President of LCCC. “As we play today, let us celebrate Tom and his legacy.”