Croci-Steiger claim fifth Quarterback Club title

By LARRY HOLCOMBE

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Hurley - Golf is a game of numbers.

It took four playoff holes for Jack Croci and Tim Steiger to win their fifth Hurley Quarterback Club golf tournament - the 20th annual held Friday at Eagle Bluff Golf Club - outlasting two other teams who also shot 4-under-par 66 for the day.

Croci, from Hurley, and Steiger, from Bessemer, were all smiles afterwards as the shadows began to grow across the fairways.

"It was a good day," said Croci of their two-man scramble play and the weather, as well. "We had fun," added Steiger.

Travis Tauer, playing the playoff without his partner Chris Colassaco, failed to keep pace on the first hole.

The team of Mark Bugne, of Eagan, Minn., and Larry Barnabo, of Hudson, moved on with Croci and Steiger matching scores on Nos. 2 and 3.

A fine approach shot on the 476-yard par 5 fourth hole left Croci and Steiger with a short birdie putt.

Bugne and Barnabo missed their longer birdie attempts and the match was won.

Croci and Steiger's 66, 33 out and 33 in, included five birdies and a bogey.

Tauer and Colassaco (31-35) had four birdies on the front nine and all pars on the back. Tauer won the tournament last year with Joe Brown as his partner.

Bugne and Barnabo (33-33) managed six birdies on Friday, but had two bogeys.

Hurley football coach Erickson said they'd had playoffs at the tournament before, but never one past the first hole.

Smiles all around

Erickson was also all smiles after the event that raises money to support the football program.

"I'm honored to be part of it and our alumni really show up hard for this every year," he said. "The hole sponsors and all - it's really a big deal for our football program. It's why we've been able to keep up with other schools.

"We provide so much money through this for our weight room and last year we bought uniforms. This all goes back to the kids and that's awesome."

Erickson said they had 77 two-man teams participate and more than 50 hole sponsors. "Thanks to all those people for what they did for us and what they do for us every year."

"It's a community team and the community and alumni really show up for these kids that they want to see do well," he said. "That's what makes me feel so good.

Ace!

Word spread quickly around the course during play when Bunter Hewitt, of Hurley, carded a hole-in-one on the 124-yard, par 3 ninth hole. The hole was on the lower lever of the green. His 9 iron shot was straight at the pin and it rolled in. Witnesses include his partner for the day Glen Miller, of Oma, as well as Scott Hewitt, of Carey, and Neil Gilbertson, of Saxon Harbor.

"Good for him," said Erickson. "That's awesome and he gets a free year membership at Eagle Bluff with that."

The weather was also aces for the event. Sunny and not too warm. "It can't be any better. The sun always shines on us," said Erickson.

Football talk

The Midgets begin practice on Tuesday and their first game is at Washburn on Aug. 18. Hurley hosts the Gogebic Miners on Friday, Aug. 25.

Erickson said it was important that several of the team members were around Friday's tournament.

"Our kids were out here working and shaking hands and being appreciative of those who help support what they do," he said.

The Midgets play in a Michigan conference. "The West-PAC is a great place for us and one more year and it's going to be West-PAC Large and Small, which will probably be an even better situation for us," he said. "We love playing in the U.P."

Huddle up!

The 77 teams were divided into huddles according to their score, with the top three in each huddle winning prizes. Results included:

Championship Huddle: 1. Croci-Steiger 66, 2. Bugne-Barnabo 66, 3. Tauer-Colassco 66.

First Huddle: 1. Mike and Bert Saari 70, 2. Paul Pretti and Mick Herrala 70, 3. Billy Trcka and Guy Trier 70.

Second Huddle: 1. Marty Lipske and Matt Williams 73, Joe Manzanares and Matt Konoske 73, Vicki and Joe Sargent 73.

Third Huddle: 1. Dave Jr. and Dave Sr. Tarasewicz 76, Kent and Boyd Dufault 76, 3. Dennis Soderman and Ron Lundgren 76.

Fourth Huddle: 1. Chase and Mike Brakke 79, 2. Mike and Marcus Swartz 79, 3. Jim Kivsito and Dennis Mackey 80.

Fifth Huddle: 1. Justin Colassaco and Don Packmeyer 82, 2. Jean and Steve Prosek 83, 3. John and Jay Aijala.