Otero College Foundation’s Inaugural Golf Tournament Raises More Than $6,000 for Student Scholarships

Description: The Otero College Foundation raised more than $6,000 for student scholarships during its inaugural golf tournament Aug. 29 at La Junta Municipal Golf Course...

Otero College Foundation Golf Tournament a Success

Inaugural Golf Tournament raises over $6,000 in scholarship funds

LA JUNTA – The Otero College Foundation hosted its first golf tournament on Saturday, August 29 at the La Junta Municipal Golf Course. The inaugural tournament raised over $6,000 in proceeds to support scholarships for Otero College students over the coming academic year. The inaugural tournament's title sponsor was SEBREA (Southeast Colorado Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction).

A total of 12 teams played in the tournament. The team taking top honors for the day, with a score of 59, was made up of Fred Boettcher, Jay Bollacker and Kevin Buchner; all from La Junta. The second-place team was Scott Cook, Oliver Carlon and Jed Duarte. The third-place team was Matt McIntyre, Adam Guadagnoli and Scott Monarco. Other top honors included Kevin Buchner for Closest to the Pin, Joey Costanza for Longest Putt and Dylan Solano for Straightest Drive.

Almabeth Kaess, director of the Otero College Foundation, stated that the success of this year’s tournament was achieved from the support of the golfers who turned out to play, as well as support from great sponsorships.  “We are very appreciative of SEBREA for coming in as our first-ever title sponsor. We also had great support from the local community as hole sponsors and name sponsors.”

Hole Sponsors included: Dr. Ryan T. Anderson, DDS, Roberta Calkins-Mendoza Medical Insurance; Calico Accounting, LLC; Colorado Bank & Trust; Toni Madrid/Edward Jones; Hancock Froese & Co., LLC; Sharon Kolomitz, La Junta Trading, Inc.; Drew Macaluso; Rob and Colleen Oquist; and Jim & Nancy Rizzuto.

Name Sponsors included: La Junta Chamber of Commerce, Bill Long, Charles Sisk, Karen Tomky, Visit La Junta and Dr. Kimberly Zant.

“We’re already looking forward to putting on a tournament in 2027,” said Kaess. “With over 84 percent of Otero College students experiencing unmet financial need, the Otero College Foundation’s primary focus is to raise funds for scholarships and keep students from incurring too much student loan debt. Events like these, and the ongoing support we receive from donors and alumni, help the Foundation address that need,” Kaess explained.

The inaugural Otero College Foundation Golf Tournament was held on August 29 at the La Junta Municipal Golf Course. Pictured are the tournament winners and Otero College Foundation board members. (l-r) Foundation Board Chair Jim Rizzuto; team members Jay Bollacker, Fred Boettcher and Kevin Buchner; Foundation Board Member Matt McIntyre; and Dr. Kimberly Zant, Otero College President.

Winning second place at the Otero College Foundation Golf Tournament was a team that included (l-r) Scott Cook, Oliver Carlon and Jed Duarte. 

Winning third place at the Otero College Foundation Golf Tournament was a team from La Junta that included (l-r) Adam Guadagnoli, Matt McIntrye and Scott Monarco.

Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.

Sports Sponsor