7th Annual Gary V. Mazzie Memorial Golf Tournament set

By PETE FONTAINE

It has been called everything from a “fantastic fundraiser” to a “mighty memorial” that benefits one of Johnston High School’s most treasured events.

It’s officially known as the Gary V. Mazzie Memorial Golf Tournament that’s played on a picturesque course measuring 2,564 yards and has as much JHS history as the late and legendary teacher, coach and athletic director enjoyed during a 40-year career on Cherry Hill.

The 7th Annual Golf Tournament will tee off on Monday, June 19, at Glocester Country Club at 12:30 p.m. and will benefit the JHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Fund that the late Mazzie founded back in 2011.

“This (golf) tourney is becoming like a JHS re-union,” said Jim Hopkins, who chairs the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and is helping coordinate the June 19 event. “We strongly encourage all alums to take part in what has always been a great day of golf as well as Panther Pride.”

Entrance fee is only $100 per player and includes golf, cart, prizes and a post-tourney dinner that will again be on the picturesque GCC grounds that’s located on the shore of Waterman Lake in Harmony. Separate dinner tickets are on sale for just $35 per person.

Because GCC – which was established back in 1929 and has a reputation for its well-groomed layout that is due to the tireless work of Greens Superintendent Ralph Simonelli and his staff – does not have a bar or lounge, the popular members club has a BYOB policy.

Hopkins, meanwhile, and his all-volunteer committee that includes the late Mazzie’s wife Lee and his daughters is hoping for the largest turnout of players and sponsors since the tourney first teed off.

“We’re looking for people to donate raffle prizes and purchase tee sponsorships,” Hopkins announced Monday. “We’d like to make this a day that ranks with the all-time best in JHS sports history.”

People who’d like to enter a foursome should send players names and contact information to Hopkins, 1 Cedar Grove drive, Greenville, RI 02828 or contact Keith Cory, the current Director of Athletics at JHS.