Golfers from Colorado’s major airports and airport businesses lined up bright and early for the shotgun start.
By Sean Settle
On April 21, more than 130 golfers teed off at Wellshire Golf Course for the 1st Annual Metropolitan State College of Denver/American Association of Airport Executive Golf Tournament.
“It’s amazing to think that the youngest and smallest of the student organizations has managed to exceed most of the programs put on by other student groups in their entire histories,” said Jeff Price, MSCD associate professor and AAAE faculty advisor. “I was proud of how the students worked so hard to put this thing together. This is the only AAAE chapter in the country to pull off such a huge fundraiser. They organized the tournament and made it fun. They were also able to incorporate some networking.”
The tournament was a tremendous success and an overwhelming accomplishment for student organizers. Contributing tournament sponsors included Centennial Airport, Carter & Burgess, HSS Security, Daedalus Aviation, Colorado Springs Airport, Air Net Systems, Western Petroleum, Exxon Mobil Aviation, Adam Aircraft, McDonald Audi & Volkswagen and the Centennial Airport Business Association.
“A lot of people worked really hard to make this tournament happen, and our sponsors were a big part of why the thing came together so well,” said Andrew Johnson, MSCD student and AAAE chapter president.
Invited golfers and guests included managers and personnel from Colorado’s major airports and aviation businesses. Cash donations and Mulligan purchases helped raise money for MSCD students attending the annual AAAE conference in Washington, D.C. in June.
L to R: Metro State College of Denver students David Faith, Mike Allen, Rich Zarco and Mike Trioette pause before a long par 4 on the back nine.
“Throughout the day, everyone had nothing but great things to say,” said Brian Conway, MSCE student and tournament organizer. “The sponsors that made cash donations helped make this tournament great. Everybody worked really hard to make this event come together, and we look forward to bringing in even more sponsors next year.”
Price was impressed with the amount the tournament raised for the AAAE chapter.
“Most student groups do bake sales and plane washes,” he said. “These kids took on a
professional project and, frankly, it was better organized than some of the industry conference tournaments I’ve attended. And it had better prizes.”
Those prizes weren’t standard gift bags. Golfers had chances to win a Bose Home Theater System, Dell Power Desktop PC, Rockies tickets, custom TaylorMade irons, Ben Hogan irons and even a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit. Price is already looking forward to next year’s tournament.
“Next year, I know we’ll have even more sponsors,” he said. “It’ll be bigger and better.”
Despite a few lost golf balls and missed putts, every golfer seemed to enjoy the day and the beautiful weather.
“We had an absolute blast with some really great people,” said golfer Dave Nielson. “We’ll definitely be coming back for next year’s event, even though I didn’t win the VW.”
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- Shown with girlfriend Hannah Clark, Brian Conway, MSCD AAAE chapter member, organized the tournament.
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- Gene Murphy, Carter & Burgess manager, watches his teammate tee off on a long uphill par 4.
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- Golfers had a chance to win a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit, shown in the background.
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- The teammates of MSCD professor Jeff Price (right) included his mother (second from right).
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- Skip Balaz, semi-pro golfer and MSCD professor (left), takes a break with teammates Carrie, Jimmy and Mike.
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- Businessmen from Centennial Airport companies await their turn for the final hole.