Men will try to find any reason to get a game of golf in. However, this past Columbus Day they actually had a decent excuse. Albertus Magnus High School hosted a Golf Classic and the funds went to support their athletic fund and the Falcon golf team.

Minisceongo Golf Club and great weather set the stage for this benefit event that went from 11 a.m. to well into the night with cocktails and a buffet reception after the golf game.

"We had 29 4-some groups playing in the Tournament, which means 116 golfers, but we didn't have (a) "full" foursome for each Team---say 110 golfers came out to Minisceongo to help support AMHS Athletics and the Falcons Golf Team," said Marty Moran, director of development and alumni relations. "Probably had another 15 folks come out for the post-tourney reception –so we had 125 attendees for the buffet!" He added that the turnout for last year's Golf Classic was 100 even.

All golfers contributed to the fundraiser by buying their round of golf. There were plenty of other ways they contributed as well such as buying golf course advertisements, 50/50 raffles, a putting contest, a birdie contest and a Chinese auction. Also, there was a Hole-in-8 contest. Anyone that made a hole in one on the eighth hole won a two-year lease from Honda of Nanuet.

"Last year's golf outing we made $12,000, which was a big jump from the year before when we made only $3,000," said Albertus President and Principal Joe Troy who volunteered his time to help out that morning. "This is a very special event because we have alumni and parents and friends attending to support our school," he said.

Several volunteers, including Moran, were there extra early to set up, man the registration table and sell raffles. Albertus School Board Member Carolyn Anderson measured out the raffles to sell them at an arm's length.

"The day is gorgeous. Could not ask for anything better," she said. Fellow volunteer Pat Lennon also agreed with the great weather conditions.

"It's a great fundraiser. My husband and I went here (to Albertus). My son goes here now," said Lennon. "A fabulous fundraiser for a fabulous school."

The early birds at registration were able to squeeze in some practice shots on the driving range and the putting green.

Dr. Robert A.D. Gregory of Gregory Chiropractic in Nanuet offered a free clinic session to get their swinging arms ready for the game.

"I only do this for charity," he said. Golfer Glenn Widmer came out to support Albertus.

"It's a beautiful day. Fantastic number of golfers that signed up today to help out the school," he said. "It's only my second time (at this annual Golf Classic) so I'll be struggling (out on the course), but enjoying the day."

The raffles went quickly. Some of the prizes included tickets to the Oct. 30 Notre Dame game and sports memorabilia.

Before the golf started, there was lunch upstairs of barbecue, hot dogs, etc.

"We feed them now, they golf and we feed them later," said Lennon with a laugh. She's referring to the cocktail and reception that happens after golf. Everyone crowded around the bar for a drink and mingled until their empty stomachs brought them to the buffet line.

Sister Ann Eigenbauer and two other Sisters were selling raffles for the Chinese auction that was going on during cocktails. In the Chinese raffle auction, golfers put in as many tickets they want toward a specific item. Later, during the reception, raffles are drawn from the paper bag corresponding with its prize. Of course, the more raffles one has in a specific item's bag, the higher the chances of being picked to win the item.

Terrence Michalak attended the Golf Classic and is an alumni of Albertus and the golf team.

"It (Golf) was awesome. The course is in really good shape," Michalak said. "It was a lot of fun. I almost knocked in a chip."

Another team of golfers—Jim Solesky, Tim Townsend, and Ken Mormile—had a great time and relaxed afterwards during cocktails and the reception.

"We had a lot of fun. The weather was great," said Townsend. "They put together a great outing."

"We had an eagle on the fifth hole. It was chipped in from a blind shot," said Solesky when asked about the best shot of the day. They said that 66 was the lowest score among their team.

He and his golf buddies also remembered a funny incident.

"One of the shots hit a few trees, then a mound and rolled back down toward us," Mormile said pointing around demonstrating the crazy shot. "It rolled back so close that he just bent over, picked it up, teed it up and hit again." They guys said that may or may not be a rule in golf—they were not sure—to get a retry shot if the ball comes back close enough to bend down and pick it up.

There was a birdie contest with a $5 buy-in. The best team with the most birdies during the game won the 50/50 money jar.

Patsy Aguanno (DeEntremont) of Fairway Testing and his team won this contest. On his team there was Matt Herman, Pat Rose and Denis Carroll.

"It (Golf) was great. We won," said Aguanno with a smile. He then pointed Carroll. "He made the best shot on hole 11."

Former Giants Player Karl Nelson spoke during the reception among other sponsors. All in all, the day was a complete success.