THE Marathon Classic, presented by Owens Corning and O-I at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, is the biggest week of volunteering in the Toledo area.
It brings people together, said Taylor Gibbs, the assistant volunteer chairman who worked closely with volunteer chairman Heidi Wininger. Miss Gibbs will be next year’s volunteer chairman.
More than 1,000 volunteers joined forces to help make the Classic happen.
Many of these folks took vacation time to do so, and many are not even golfers. Volunteers pay for the privilege to volunteer, purchasing their shirts, caps, parking passes, and sometimes more, and of course, they get to watch some great women’s golfers.
But volunteering is so much more. Many of the volunteers return each year, so the Marathon Classic becomes like a big family reunion. Volunteers work from sunrise to sunset during Classic week, some starting as started as early as 5 a.m. and working as late as 10 p.m.
There is so much to do behind the scenes, from the water and ice to concessions and hospitality areas, to parking and shuttle service, players’ services, merchandise tents, and finance. And everything is done quietly so as not to disturb the players or the spectators.
The walking scorers, caddies, announcers, and others are seen by all. Volunteers and media are so busy that food from Vito’s Pizza and Subs and Fricker’s is provided during their breaks.
The perks are endless. The players’ drivers and hole captains get to know the golfers year after year. Families who host golfers in their home for the week become like a second family to the golfers, and they follow them at other tournaments and celebrate personal victories including weddings and births.
If you are looking to meet new friends or perhaps Mr. or Mrs. Right, the Classic is the avenue, as several couples have met while volunteering at the classic and later married, including Dale and Ellen Pittman who still volunteer.
Among the volunteer chairmen not already mentioned were Kristin Kelley, general chairman, and Abby Almomar, Becky Brott, Joe Dietrich, Jeff Easton, Charles Easton, Dick Flaskamp, Carol Gibbs, Crystal Jordan, Joe Kahle, Dave Lick, Lee Meserve, Jerry Osswald, Brandon Radabaugh, Randy Roberts, Karen Rose, Scott Saunders, and Crystal Threet.
Among the volunteers were area captain Joe Kirkman; ecology folks including the Anthony Wayne Band Boosters, Terry Benton and Terry Kirch in charge of display tents, and Mackenzie Wegener, in charge of the volunteer tent. There were more than 40 hole captains including Paul Jomantas, Rex Powers, Portia Garza, Al Campolongo, Trudy Anderson, and Al Ray.
A post-tournament volunteer party was at the Pinnacle, which by the way, did all of the beverages and food at the Classic including the concessions stands. Their team was there bright and early each day with smiles.
Emcee Jim Heller, who was the media chairman, kept the evening at a fast and fun pace.
Craig Weigand of Marathon Oil, who is also a Marathon Classic board member, expressed gratitude to volunteers, sponsors, and others who made the tournament possible. Judd Silverman, tournament director, thanked everyone as well.
Adding fun to the casual evening was a 50/50 raffle, plus raffles for gift baskets and gift cards to places, such as to Marathon gas stations and restaurants.
Among the guests was area captain Roy Rozell, 90, who has volunteered since the tournament started in 1984.
Plans are already started for next year, including recruiting volunteers. To volunteer, contact the tournament office at 419-531-3277.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.com or call 419-724-6124.
First Published July 26, 2018, 4:00 a.m.
