Golden Bear Golf Benefit hosts full field, raises important funds

The 2024 Golden Bear Boys Basketball/Football Golf Benefit enjoyed near-perfect weather and welcomed a legion of participants to Saturday’s event at The Legends Golf Club.

Thirty-four teams took part in the scramble-format competition that annually raises operating funds for the Shelbyville High School basketball and football programs.

The Law Family/Zotec and Cagney’s Pizza King once again served as major event sponsors. Nine-hole sponsors were Today’s Dental Care, Dr. Phil Batton, Brewer Machine, Precision Power Wash, The Shelbyville High School Class of 1979, CoreVision, “Z” Shirts, McGowan Insurance Group and EZ Dumpsters.

The outing received a generous donation from Joe and Theresa Harlan. There were an additional 38 single-hole sponsors.

Former Shelbyville High School athletes Loren “Hank” Hemingway and Shelly Caplinger were remembered for their significant, historic athletic careers. Hemingway was a starting forward for the 1947 Shelbyville state championship boys basketball team. Caplinger was a tremendous multi-sport athlete and a member of the 1986 Indiana All-Star Basketball Team. Both passed away in May.

The event also recognized the 1979 Shelbyville boys basketball regional championship team that became the first contingent since 1953 to earn a semistate berth. Team members Rick Moorhead and Tim Bowles represented the team.

“We appreciate the financial support and even more we appreciate the people who come out to encourage us through this outing,” said Shelbyville football head coach Scott Fitzgerald.

The team of Jordan Conley, Hogan Fulkerson, Brent Kramer and Ross Morgan claimed the championship for the second consecutive year with a score of 51.

Ben Smith and Brian Gardner were Longest Drive winners. Mike Wise and Will Prine won Closest to the Pin competition and Anthony Bond and Tyler Peper had the longest putts.

“I am extremely thankful for the sponsors and golfers who continually step forward to get behind us and make this day such a success,” said Golden Bears boys basketball head coach John Hartnett. “We are very grateful for them and their support.”   

Shelbyville High School basketball and football both demonstrated definite improvement in 2023-24. Last season, the basketball squad recorded the most victories since 2019 and finished with double-digit wins for the second consecutive year. The football team’s three season wins were the most in six years. Both programs are in the process of developing promising feeder systems as well.

“There are strong younger groups coming up in both programs,” stated Hartnett. “We are anticipating good things in the future.”