Hershberger Gridiron Golf Classic Sets Records
Participants from 11 states help raise $56,000 to support the Beaver football program
One-hundred-thirty-two golfers and two-dozen guests converged on the Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek on Friday, July 19, for the Annual Hershberger Gridiron Golf Classic. The four-person best shot raised more than $56,162 for the Jim and Floy Hershberger Football Endowment Fund, an effort that helps fund the Beaver football program.
The Jim and Floy Hershberger Football Endowment Fund was established in 2002 by former Beaver football players Dan Phillips ’77, Brad Jones ’77, Doug Thompson ’81, and the late Tim Anderson ’83. It is named after Buena Vista’s late great football coach, Jim Hershberger, who amassed a record of 121-61-1 in his 20 seasons commanding the Beaver football fortunes. The golf tournament, which actually predates the endowment’s founding, was started by former Beaver Head Football Coach Joe Hadachek, who directed the Beavers from 1996-1999.
This year’s record field of golfers and participants represented Beaver football alumni from seven decades and 11 states, including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, South Carolina, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, and Georgia.
“This is such a meaningful event and a great way to give back to a program that helped shape all of us. We’re thrilled to see it on such a great trajectory.” -Rick Brennan, 1990 Buena Vista University graduate
Rick Brennan ’90 came from nearby Emmetsburg for this event and spent time with 15 of his Beaver teammates who played from 1986 to 1989. He was joined by his brother, Bobby, a BVU letterman who came from Oklahoma, and Rick’s son Wes ’19, another former Beaver football player, who ventured north from Alabama to enjoy the celebration.
“We wouldn’t miss it,” said Rick, who serves as a member of the Hershberger Gridiron Golf Classic Committee. “This is such a meaningful event and a great way to give back to a program that helped shape all of us. We’re thrilled to see it on such a great trajectory.”
Teams were invited to join both President Brian Lenzmeier and Head Football Coach Austin Dickinson in driving a pair of par 3 holes. Former Beaver quarterback and punter, Mike Wilson ’92, came within two inches of recording a hole-in-one on the No. 15 hole, which played at 95 yards in memory of the late Beaver linebacker Mike Peddicord ’00, who sported jersey No. 95.
Redenbaugh & Mohr Law Offices, of Storm Lake, served as a premier hole sponsor, joining more than 20 other businesses in sponsoring holes. Staff members at Smokin’ Hereford BBQ, of Storm Lake, lent their talents and work in providing a post-tournament dinner for all participants.
Following the dinner, Keith Kerkhoff ’77, of Beaver football and Templeton Rye acclaim, drew laughs, cheers, and bids in conducting a spirited auction that featured one dozen unique gift items donated for the benefit of growing the Hershberger Football Endowment. Kerkhoff joined Phillips, Mike Pertzborn ’74, and Trent Burley ’08 in championing the Hershberger Endowment effort by collectively pledging gifts amounting to $12,500 while gratefully enlisting the support among all others present. The live auction was complemented by an online auction, a new feature that generated winning bids from Buena Vista University football alumni and friends from all over the US.
“We are extremely blessed to have football alumni and their friends and family members who pitch in to support the Jim and Floy Hershberger Football Endowment, BVU football, and BVU throughout the year,” said President Lenzmeier. “It is so rewarding to see how our graduates and friends keep teaming up to move our programs and University forward for the benefit of our student-athletes.”
Coach Dickinson, a 2010 BVU graduate, addressed the crowd, offering his praise and humility to be able to lead this growing Beaver group. “To set a record in participation and in funds raised has our entire staff and student-athletes fired-up to begin the season, knowing we have the privilege to represent this generous, close-knit Beaver family as we compete.”
Here are photos from the 2024 Hershberger Gridiron Golf Classic at BVU Lake Creek. For additional information on alumni events and the 2024 Homecoming plans and schedule, check this link.
Plans are underway for the 2025 Hershberger Gridiron Golf Classic, which will be held on July 25 at BVU Golf Course at Lake Creek.