Mustangs honor past champs

LAKEWOOD RANCH — After watching his team capture its first Class 2A state title six months ago, Lakewood Ranch High boys golf coach Dave Frantz decided he wanted to do something to recognize his players’ accomplishments.

Frantz began tossing around the idea of hosting a golf scramble as a way to not only honor his players but also to raise money for the boys and girls golf teams. But rather than simply honoring Lakewood’s state-champion golfers, Frantz decided to use the event as a way to recognize all of Lakewood’s former state champion athletes and coaches.

On May 20, former state champion athletes, coaches, family and friends will tee off in the Bob Boast Volkswagen State Champions Scramble at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Royal Lakes Course.
“It’s an event to honor all of the state champions in the school’s history,” Frantz said. “My (goal) is to rekindle interest among the community and pay honor to those who have achieved the highest level of success in the state.”

The State Champions Scramble, which will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., is $100 per person, and players must enter a four-man team. Tee signs also will be available for $50 plus a $50 gift card, which will be auctioned off.

Proceeds from the event will be used to pay the remainder of the boys team’s bill as well as help offset the cost of tournament entry fees for the boys and equipment for both teams next season.

Those who enter the State Champions Scramble can designate whether they want their money to go to the boys or girls team.

The scramble will feature long drive, putting and Par 3 contests, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, a buffet dinner and tee gifts. In addition, members of the boys and girls golf teams will be auctioned off as part of a Fifth Man Auction.

All of Lakewood’s former state champion athletes and coaches have been invited to play for free or give their pass away to another person for free.

“I hope they understand that we really appreciate their efforts,” Frantz said. “We’re the first public school in Manatee County to win a state title for golf, and I want them to feel that their community supports their effort.
“We don’t get the attention at our matches like they do for football or baseball games, so I hope (the community) embraces their expertise on the golf course, as they do for their expertise on the field.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Bob Boast Volkswagen State Champions Scramble
WHEN: 9 a.m. May 20
WHERE: Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd.
COST: $100 per person; players must enter a four-man team.
REGISTRATION: Due by May 15. Entry fees and donations should be mailed to Dave Frantz at Lakewood Ranch High, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211. All checks should be made payable to Lakewood Ranch High School.
INFORMATION: Dave Frantz, [email protected] or 727-6100, Ext. 2083