Thank You for an Incredible 2025 WRA Golf Day Out!

The 2025 Western Rugby Alumni Golf Day Out was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible support of our alumni, sponsors, volunteers, players, and the entire WWU Rugby community. Held on September 19 at the beautiful Avalon Golf Links in Burlington, WA, the event brought together 88 golfers, perfect weather, and an outstanding atmosphere of camaraderie—all in support of WWU Men’s Rugby.

With a scramble format, sunny skies, and plenty of competitive spirit on display, this year’s tournament raised an impressive $30,213 in gross income, with a net total of $18,474 directly benefiting the rugby program. These funds will play a meaningful role in supporting scholarships, travel, equipment, and the continued development of our student-athletes.

A Team Effort From Start to Finish

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of an exceptional committee and more than 30 WWU Rugby team volunteers. From planning and logistics to operations, hospitality, and execution, countless hands came together to make this one of our best tournaments yet.

Special thanks to:

• Tournament Director: Jeff Lombard
  
  
• Marketing & Communications: Peyton Pitman
  
  
• Golf Operations: Mike Fields, Avalon Golf Pro
  
  
• Hospitality & Emcees: Matt Henderson, Vincent Petisme, John Tennant, WWU players, and Paul Horne
  
  
• Sponsorship & Signage: Paul Horne, Matt North, Don Brackett, Jeff Lombard
  
  
• Registration: Nicole Mathis & Christin Ebert
  
  
• Volunteer Coordinators: Gabriel Valdez & Gus Sorenson
  
  
• Rules, Scoring & Compliance: Allan Law
  
  
• WWU Rugby volunteers: 30+ men’s players
  
  
• Additional support: Ned Kennedy, Dan Barclay, and members of the WRA Board
  

Your hard work reflects the spirit of the rugby community—service, teamwork, and unwavering pride.

Celebrating Our Sponsors

We extend a huge thank you to all of our Major Sponsors, whose generosity elevated the event:

Title Sponsor: Baird Group
Player Pack Sponsor: Scan Global Logistics
Meal Sponsor: Scan Global Logistics
Driving Range: Coatings Unlimited
Soft Drinks: Walton Beverage
Beer: Beach Cat Brewing & Mills Electric
Shrimp Station: Sea Fresh Seafoods
Oyster Station: Samish Gold Seafoods
Hot Dog Station: Hempler Foods & Franz Bakery
Additional Support: Avalon Golf Links, Vincent Petisme

Thank you also to our Hole & Contest Sponsors—more than 20 businesses and individuals who helped make the day possible through their contributions.

A special shoutout goes to Mike Girton of Sea Fresh Seafoods for providing 700 shrimp and staffing the Shrimp Station, and to Gerardo & Riley Rodarte of Samish Gold Seafoods for 400 fresh-shucked oysters. Finally, thank you to Ned Kennedy and Dan Barclay for once again cooking and serving oysters to our participants.

‍Tournament Highlights

The day was packed with excitement and friendly competition:

• 1st Place (61): Adam Robert, Steve Prystie, Ryan Thorpe, Jesse Gregory
  
  
• 2nd Place (62): Matt North, Rick Gilbreath, Travis Kda, Matt Lyon
  
  
• Last Place: Tim Koeneman, Simon Brown, Matt Magsino, Ed Peterson
  
  
• Closest to the Pin: Wally Krengal – 3’4”
  
  
• Longest Drive: Ryan Thorpe
  
  
• Straightest Drive: Brian Haun
  
  
• Poker Winner: David Thielen with four 7’s
  
  

Our new Putting Game, suggested and staffed by Vincent Petisme and John Tennant, was a HUGE hit—players knocked prizes off the green and had a blast doing it. Any unclaimed items went into the raffle, which nearly every attendee walked away from with a prize.

Looking Ahead

Constructive feedback helps us make each year even better. Suggestions included improving volunteer role clarity, starting awards and raffle presentations promptly, and renaming the Player Pack as the Player Scholarship Packet to increase sales and support.

These insights, along with the enthusiasm and generosity from this event, ensure we continue elevating the experience for participants and the program.

With Gratitude

To every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, board member, donor, and supporter:
Thank you.

Your contributions—whether financial, operational, or simply showing up—directly support WWU Men’s Rugby and strengthen the alumni network that keeps our community thriving. Events like this remind us how special it is to be part of Western Rugby, and how powerful our collective impact can be.

We are deeply proud of the Western Rugby Alumni Association and all you do to sustain WWU Men’s Rugby and the broader rugby community.

Respectfully,
Jeff Lombard
President, Western Rugby Alumni Association