MILLEDGEVILLE — All in all, it was another outstanding year for the J.T. Wall JMA Trojan Football Golf Tournament as many local golf and UGA Bulldog die-hards descended on the Milledgeville Country Club for some action on the greens Monday afternoon.
The days’ events started out nicely as groups of golfers trekked across the course in compact motorized carts, looking for any competitive edge — and hoping the looming downpour would hold back. By the end of the day, the rain came and all of the silent auction items were moved indoors at the Country Club.
Many people are already familiar with JMA associate head coach J.T. Wall, especially after his standout career as a fullback at the University of Georgia. Wall and head coach Don Marchman are intent on building a winner, and Monday’s event turned out great numbers for the JMA program. The tournament featured the Trojan family, and many others in the community participated in what turned out to be a fun day of golf.
Perhaps the biggest highlight was the presence of several “celebrity” UGA Bulldog golfers, all of whom entertained the participants with tales from their glory years as a Dawg. Former players who attended Monday’s fundraiser included: Mike Cavan (1968-70), Robert Honeycut (1970-72), Dick Conn (1971-73), Andy Johnson (1971-73), Steve Dennis (1976-78), Stan Charping (1982), Matt Stinchcomb (1995-1998), Burt Jones (2000-02), Jeremy Thomas (2003-04) and David Greene (2001-04).
Wall stated after the event that he would have the money totals once all the numbers have been tallied in the book.
“Looking at the turnout we’ve had it should be really close. We’ve just got to see what the auction does. We were a little over $15,000 last year,” he said.
The golf tournament, in its second year, is designed to raise money for JMA’s football program, with hopes of purchasing the team more video equipment, as well as pay for camp costs and other equipment needs.
Wall said that he was pleased with what he and coach Marchman had seen from the team thus far this summer.
“They are out here everyday in the summer working hard — and doing a lot. We are looking forward to that August 26 date in Eatonton versus Gatewood. We want to take the lake on opening night,” he said.
Wall also said that 40 teams participated, and that several important people played a part in making it all happen.
“We want to thank all the whole sponsors and those who donated door prizes, as well as the parents. We’d like to also give a special thanks to Randale Johnson for sponsoring the whole tournament,” he said. “It’s been a great day for a great cause, and these kids really appreciate it. These guys are having a ball.”
Some of the items available in the silent auction included trips, travel packs, prints, autographed balls and a Kiel leaf blower from Southside Equipment.
Former UGA great and academic All-American Matt Stinchcomb, whose brother Jon currently plays for the New Orleans Saints as an offensive lineman, was excited to be back in Millegeville and to help out with the tournament. Stinchcomb was also humored by his “so-called” limited golf game.
“It’s a great opportunity. I just appreciate the invitation. I’m a lousy golfer but J.T. is a good buddy. My ball doesn’t get high enough to make it into the trees,” said Stinchcomb with a laugh.
He was also impressed by the warmth and hospitality he has experienced in Milledgeville during his visits, especially within the JMA family.
“There’s a lot of good people here in Milledgeville. JMA is a fine institution. I had an opportunity to speak at their graduation and they have great kids. It’s a great school with great people,” said Stinchcomb. “I think the community is blessed to have a school like that right here. To be able to participate is a great opportunity.”
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