2008 Results

10/25/08- On a day that saw wind gusts reach well over 50 mph, 79 men & yes 1 woman braved the elements and did battle in the 7th Annual "East v. West Classic".  All in all, we lucked out with no rain, but the wind made for a great challenge.  Team East and Team West locked horns to do battle and once again Team West came out on top. 

Olde Vine proved to be a great venue.  Both Teams played almost dead even in the Scramble and Best Ball divisions.  At the end of the Scramble both teams were deadlocked at 7.5 points.  Team East stand outs, Bob Pulick and Sean Brand started off by taking 2.5 point from Dan Pulick and Jason Dunn.  Team West rookie Carrie DeHart and Evans Killeen Sr. had a great day taking 2.5 points in their match.  The scramble division battled it out and when the dust settled, we found both teams all tied up.

Next were the much hyped best ball matches.  Team East Captain, Ryan Fay, knew this was the strength of his 2008 team.  And his team did not disappoint him.  East took 15.5 points to West's 14.5, leaving Team East with a 1 point lead going into the critical single ball matches.  Captain Fay and partner Mike "Digger" Koziarz did their part, taking 2.5 points from one of West's power teams, and heavily favored to win, James and brother Mike Combs.  It was later reported, that James, was devastated after brother Mike missed a 2 footer on the 17th hole. A putt that would have halved the match.  Luckily, James later recovered and was in high spirits after winning the Budweiser chair in the raffle. (Losing to Fay and Digger may not calm his spirits but pounding Pabst Blue Ribbons and playing horseshoes back at home will never be more relaxing now that he has his chair)

Other stand outs for Team East were, Founding Father, Dan Leszczynski and Jeff Tuper winning a big 3 points.  Dan dedicated most of 2008 practicing for the Classic, proving that hard work pays off.  Dan is looking to move up in competition next year and Team West Captain Evans Killeen is rumored to be more than willing to oblige him. "Next year Mr. Leszczynski better bring more game or parter with Tiger Woods if he wants to win a point" he said in a post match interview . A story line to watch for 2009.

Although Team East had some strong best ball performances Team West didn't roll over as Team East had hoped.  Team West rookie, Pat Odea and 2005 MVP Timmy Brennan took 3 points from Team East's Dave Bauer and Freddie Kandler, who last year swept their match and were considered one of East's stronger best ball teams. Another huge performance was Team West founding father and this year's MVP Tom Beasley along with his partner Chris Micnowicz, who took all 3 points in their much hyped match against 2006 MVP Chris Carter and his partner Wayne Swiatocha.  Also, Larry Citarelli and Jerry Cozine came up huge and took all three points in their match. Father/son duo Dave Terry and Heath Terry swept their match taking all 3 points. As the best ball matches came to a close, Team East could only hope a 1 point lead, going into single ball, would be enough.  

The answer, a resounding, "NO!" Team West proved too tough up top, taking a commanding 24 points to Team East's 6 points in the single ball matches.  There were a few bright spots for Team East in single ball. Jason Little took on rookie, Greg Pace from Team West.  Although, Jason came up short, losing 2-1, it was a great match.  Another great effort and great player was rookie, Nick Rogers from Team East.  Nick played fantastic on the back 9 taking a point from fellow rookie Team West member Jay Donovan.  Jay, however, held on to his commanding lead he built on the front and took 2 points.  The biggest Stand out for Team East in singles was Scotty VanHoesen.  After losing badly in 2005,2006 and 2007 Scotty vowed to Captain Fay that it wouldn't happen again.  Scotty played great in the windy conditions, scoring Team East's only 3 points in singles.

Unfortunately, for Team East, Team West was not to be outdone on this day.  Mitch Pineault, John Hurbert, Vince Scheraldi, Chris Heaney, Adam Nielsen, and Evans Killeen all took 3 points in their matches to lead Team West to a decisive 46 to 29 victory.  Team West takes it 5th cup in seven years and takes a commanding 5-2 cup lead. 

Congratulations to all of Team West on a job well done and to 2008 MVP Tom Beasley.  You might not be able to catch a fish, but you can certainly putt, contrary to what any tee shirt says!

Stay tuned for updates on the 2009 Classics date and locations.  Also the video from the 2007 and 2008 will be posted on the website sometime in the near future. 

Thanks to everyone that participated and special thanks to Paul Schmidt, Dan Pulick, and Chris Carter on a great effort in getting sponsorships.  Your efforts are a big part of why this day can be pulled off. 

We'll see you all next year!