Centenary Golf Day

After waiting nearly 100 years for this Golf Day to arrive, the gods appeared in no mood for frivolity as black clouds gathered and rumblings could be heard above as the guests set off with the task of mastering the 18 holes at Huntingdale Golf Club, for many years the home of the Australian Masters. And the black clouds did not disappoint as a fierce storm erupted thirty minutes into play sending the field scurrying to shelter amidst lightning, thunder and great confusion. The event organizer Mr Bernie Dunn (1970) said the field showed remarkable resilience in the face of the storm. The De La Salle spirit came to the fore and it was drinks all round until the storm abated. The weather did clear and the 80 golfers were treated to nearperfect conditions for the rest of the day and some good scores were registered. The playing group extended back to football club stalwarts Peter Giles and Peter Kelly bringing some maturity to the field along with some local flavour from Club members. Tony Hunt (1969) and Greg Drew (1968) were set against the long-hitting youngsters from the College’s current team — Doug Loton, Sean Delgorge, Charles Stewart and Joshua Vitacca. The eventual winners with 47 points were Frank Dunn Jnr (1972) and Terry Dorizzi, best known for his football exploits with the Old Collegians. The women of the College were well represented by Mrs Robyn Brasher and Mrs Pauline Caven (partner of football club coaching legend coach Bernie Sheehy) who took out the Women’s event. Dinner followed in the Clubhouse and guests were treated to Huntingdale’s fine hospitality at the hands of De La Salle identity Margaret Purcell. The delicious meal was followed by the regaling of some wonderful stories by a range of people with links to the College’s history. These included Jennie Ball (daughter of Felix Russo, College Captain 1944), and father and son team John Kennedy Snr and John Kennedy Jnr, who entertained the 120 dinner guests with stories of goings on at school interwoven with some tantalizing insights into both their football careers. We also had the pleasure of hearing some very interesting stories from Kevin and Peter Horrigan, one of four families to attend the College over four generations. Kevin’s father was a member of the first class back in 1912 and Peter’s son was in Year 10. So 100 years on we didn’t let a bit of rain dampen the De La spirit.

Ms Kerry Martin