A dynamic group of 94 golfers turned out on May 16 to participate in the ACS 2023 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township. The tournament was paired with the Legacy Gala on May 12 to help raise funds for the school’s Tuition Assistance Grant Fund. The two events together netted $31,000 for the fund that gives families in need access to a Christian education for their children.

The golfers enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day throughout the Tournament, which was the school’s 18th golf fundraiser since 1999. The Tournament kicked off with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start and concluded with lunch and an awards program at the Vagabond Restaurant located in the golf course clubhouse. The golfers included school parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, business community members, and several ACS staff members and high school students.

As the golfers got ready for the tournament, school parent Jeff Montemurro donated his services as a physical therapist to provide athletic stretching to prevent injuries. The golfers then went on to compete in several contests at different holes throughout the day, including a popular putting contest, which resulted in a two-way tie that led to a putt-off. ACS grandparent Bob Conklin won the putting contest, besting James Andreacci from the OceanFirst Bank team. Conklin had traveled the furthest from Pennsylvania, with his wife, Mary, and two friends to participate in the Tournament.

During lunch, ACS alumnus David (DJ) Schrag (’88) recognized and thanked the golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff for helping make the Cougar Classic event a success.  Schrag, who is also an alumni parent and member of the school’s Board of Directors, also announced the golfers who excelled during the tournament and won various prizes. Schrag noted that the first place team included two alumni from the Class of 2019 — Ryan Lomangino and Solomon Griffith.  Lomangino also won first place for the longest drive. 2013 alumnus Ben Chapman was also on the foursome that placed third in the tournament.

Congratulations to the golfers who took home the top prizes:

1st place foursome: Greg Goodreds, Solomon Griffith, Ryan Lomangino, and Matt Warner
2nd place foursome: Bob McAndrew, Kelly McAndrew, Mike McAndrew, and Dace Phillips
3rd place foursome: Dan Carney, Drew Carney, Ben Chapman, and Seth Newell
Closest to the Pin, Hole #2: Jennifer DiMaio and Greg Goodreds
Longest Drive, Hole #14: Jennifer DiMaio and Ryan Lomangino
1st Place, Putting Contest: Bob Conklin

Thank you to our Golfer Prize Donors:

Aaron Bada’s Golf & Sport Performance Club
Ballamor Golf Club
Crab Trap Restaurant, Somers Point
Greate Bay Country Club
Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, Somers Point
Harbor Pines Golf Club
Christian X. Loeb, AIF, CFP, LPL Financial
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links
Texas Roadhouse, The Panetta Family
Twisted Dune Golf Club
Vagabond Restaurant, Egg Harbor Township

CLICK HERE for a full list of our 2023 Cougar Classic Sponsors.