By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
Many area residents may recall a high school football game three years ago between South Harrison and Lincoln when a South Harrison player, 17-year old senior Dylan Jeffries, exited the field and collapsed on the sidelines, unconscious.He was immediately flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, had a blood clot removed from his brain and was put in a medically induced coma. Sadly, Dylan passed away within a few days, leaving his family, friends, teammates and the entire area to contend with tremendous shock and sorrow.
Later that year, Sunny Croft Country Club approached the Jeffries family about sponsoring a golf tournament in Dylan’s memory. Dylan’s parent, Richard and Tammy Jeffries, were very receptive to the idea, as was Dylan’s former football coach Brad Jett. According to Mike Lambiotte, one of the tournament organizers, the inaugural event was very emotional for everyone, yet a highly successful one, generating $7,500 in scholarship funding
Thanks to the support it received, the tournament in Dylan’s memory has continued, and the Dylan Jeffries Foundation has been established. The foundation awards scholarships annually to graduating seniors in Harrison County and throughout the state.
“The Jeffries family is very pleased that their son is still remembered … and in a way that can help other students with college funding,” Lambiotte stated. “The only stipulation they insisted upon was that the scholarships awarded be based not only on academic performance, but also based on financial need so that those who really needed help would receive it.”
It is that time once again, and Sunny Croft Country Club is pleased to be hosting its THIRD Annual Dylan Jeffries Charity Golf Tournament this Saturday, June 25th at the club. It is a four-man scramble format with singles and walk-ons welcome. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. A large crowd is expected, but tournament officials say there are still a few slots available.
For anyone who might be interested in participating as a golfer or as a sponsor, the cost is $65 per person, $260 per foursome, or $360 for a foursome with Tee Sponsorship. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers along with proximity prizes. The club will also sell Mulligans and Tee Busters.
“We are delighted to have a special addition to this year’s tournament, and that is the participation of Dixon Golf. They will be offering some great special prizes on the short Par 3 and the long Par 5,” Lambiotte added.
Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the tournament or who might have questions about registering a foursome (or as an individual), please feel free to contact Sunny Croft Country Club at 304-624-4421, Mike Lambiotte at 304-677-8612 or Richard and Tammy Jeffries at 304-745-3680.
Lambiotte concluded, “This is an opportunity for area golfers to enjoy a day on this beautiful 9-hole course while at the same time contributing to a very worthy cause. We hope to continue to keep #22’s memory alive and to maintain the Foundation that gives scholarships in his memory for a long time to come.”
Among the tournament sponsors are Harrison County Bank, Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, Dominion Power and Clarksburg Uptown.
