Coach Groves Memorial Golf 2025 Tourney Results

Winning "Four"some:  Brian Laird (89), Mike Shine (75), Clark Haley (85)

Longest Drive:  Mike Shine (75)

Longest Putt:  Ryan Foster (15)

Closest to the Pin: Bob Gabel (80)

And let's thank Paul Mundy for the wonderful commemorative golf balls!

Whine And Dine

 First up, the announcement by Clark Haley of the one-time rules change for the 20th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Tourney brought howls of protest from the "real" golfers among us.  The cacophony from the rabble rose to such levels at our reception, that I was worried there would be intervention by the authorities.

 

Announced as a 2 club maximum for each golfer in the foursome, it was soon amended to 3 clubs per golfer.  Still, chaos reigned.  Clark held firm at the 3 club maximum and not the "3 clubs and a putter" demand from the influential group of Fuller Brothers!

The anonymously sponsored open bar added to the general good cheer throughout the night.  The night concluded with a putting contest win by Mike McCahill.

The dawning of a new day led eventually to the start of the Coach Groves Golf Tourney.  While this was happening, an intrepid group continued the traditional climb of Mt. Nittany (started by Spouse the Better) followed by a trip to the Creamery.

Rain held off until well into the outing, and the torrential rains only lasted for one hole, followed by summer-like heat and humidity.  We always see a myriad of conditions on the Mountain View Country Club, although conditions were excellent overall.  The brief shower came over Skimont (or whatever it is called now), as if Bear Meadows knew that PSU distance runners were there and just wanted to say hello.

The 3-club maximum for each golfer led to strange shots throughout the day.  Try putting with a 5-iron! My "bag" consisted of a 5-iron, a pitching wedge and a putter; my 3 best clubs.  None of which I can still hit on a consistent basis.  I did, however, have a number of shots that counted and saved par a few times for our foursome.  The new rules added a fun element, and brought a new strategy and synergy to each foursome.  This format brought everyone closer together, which has always been one of Clark's stated goals.  

The longest drive was recorded by philanthropist Ken Brinker.  The longest putt of more than 22 feet was recorded by co-director Harry Smith (garnering the Smith family another year with the purloined Golden Putter).  Tim Brown placed his shot closest to the pin on the ninth hole.  The furthest traveled alum was Brian Boyer, who brought his family from Vienna Austria!

Overall, scores turned out better than anyone had predicted and there was a tie between 2 foursomes at one-under par for the victory.  The rules for ties were eventually thrown out and it was decided using a complex formula involving Elon Musk's new Twitter algorithm and the volume of whining from each group.

The foursome of Paul Mundy, Harry Smith, Gary Black and  Tom Shiffer were given the nod and will have their names engraved on the cherished "Cup".

The Awards Dinner was held at The Hyatt Place Hotel, and entailed a very good spread of grilled chicken, flank steak, baked potato bar and all kinds of other things.  The chocolate cake was especially enjoyed by Tourney Winner Paul Mundy. We had an inspirational speech from former XC and Track and
Field captain Che Arosemena, now attending the Army War College in Carlisle.

Throw-Up Thursday

 15 years ago...

Random Thoughts And Results Of The 19th Annual Reunion And Golf Tourney

1.  We had a very good turn-out considering the world we currently find ourselves in. There were 40 or so attendees for both the Reception and Dinner.  There were 6 foursomes on the golf course.  And there were many attendees for Vivian Riddick's Zoom Presentation and the Coach Schwartz Celebration for the Women's Team.  Coach Groves finally got his 2009 wish of more women attendees for our celebration of Penn State T&F/XC.
2. The Mountain View Country Club hosted the tourney and were excellent in their support of our efforts.
3. I sorta/kinda won for the 3rd time in a row.  Because Steve Brown's sons golfed with him, we had a team of "ringers" without a hacker like me.  According to the rules set up by Clark Haley decades ago, this team is forbidden.  All teams must be rigidly, strictly chosen randomly on Friday night, except when sufficiently bribing of the Officers of the Group has been undertaken!  The Browns managed 5-under par, with my foursome scaring them with a 4-under par back 9 after an even front nine.  (Please realize I am being mostly funny with this, but I won't know for sure until I see the engraving on The Cup next year.)  I hit few shots with my wonky wrist, but I suppose 4 of my shots actually counted.  For all you non-golfers out there, you would do much better than this without ever having golfed before.  Come golf with us next year.  It was a pleasure golfing with Harry Smith, his son Ian Smith and Coach John Gondak this year.  
4. There was a paucity of potential in the running for the "numb-nuts" award, with the absence of Kevin Kelly O'Brien.  Just joking Kelly, you were missed.
5. The Triathlon at the track, which has replaced the Alumni Run, was won by Steve Balkey, with individual events won by one of the Fullers (I never know which one; it's definitely a problem of mine!) and Greg Fredericks, Master of the Hula Hoop.
6. Speaking of the Fullers...  They all golfed together this year.  It was honestly only by chance, I swear to God.  Bob Gabel became an honorary Fuller to fill up their foursome.
7. Paul Mundy won the Longest Drive contest, which he does nearly every year Beth Shisler does not golf .
8. The dinner menu was excellent (flank steak, grilled chicken with Parmesan sauce, and a chocolate cake that brought a smile to Paul Mundy).  The selection of four different flavors of chicken wings on Friday night was also quite splendid.  Free draft beer and a full cash bar got the crowd in just the right spirits to meet new friends and regale old friends with white lies about the days of yore.
9. There are stories of great times had by many (after my bed-time) at The Phyrst on Friday night and Pickles on Saturday night.  I managed to host Rock and Roll Legend Paul Souza to nearly 11:00PM on both nights before tag-teaming and handing off to Night-Life loving Clark Haley.  I think we have a convert to our efforts in Paul, with maybe even a Rock and Roll Reception in our future!
10. Ken Brinker became only the third recipient of The Rusty Boot, the highest honor that can be bestowed on any PSU Track Alum.
11. Two hardy members of the group drove their Harleys fairly long distances to join us.  Both Mike Shine and Paul Mundy looking good BTW!
12. Coach Gondak won the closest to the pin contest on a hole which is normally his nemesis at his home course. A six-foot putt led to one of our birdies to close in on the Leading Brown group.
13. Kay Warfel made multiple homemade gifts for raffle and Coach Gondak supplied numerous items to add to the mix from the team's supplies.
14. A tour of the new locker room was given by Ryan Foster.  It's good to have him back.
15. The Ghost Award went to Paul Souza who finally joined us and says he will be back every year from now on.  Speaking of future years, we have decided to alternate between May and August in the future, just to see if we can entice a few more reluctant attendees.  More on that to come. 
16. Quite a few attendees climbed Mt. Nittany again this year, in addition to touring the Sports Museum and Berkey Creamery.  Remember, the golf is optional but highly recommended!
17. State College has taken Covid hard by what I have seen.  The entire block containing The Saloon, Hi-Way Pizza, The Deli and the Lions Den has been closed and empty.  Baby's is closed and for sale.  I would love to have enough mullah to buy it and bring back Pedro's! Anyone wishing to join me in investing in this opportunity, let me know.
18. My Nittany Lion Hawaiian Shirt was a big hit.  The Lion's Pride came through for me again this year.  Several others went on Saturday to find the stock already depleted.  Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man happy, healthy and Hawaiian Shirted.
19. The Longest Putt on Hole 18 went to Ian Smith of my foursome with a 9' 1" effort.
    

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

We Are The Champions!

Yes, for the second year in a row, I helped win the Coach Groves Golf Tourney.  Currently, I am the hottest golfer in our group.  

But in all seriousness, I had the opportunity to golf with the best overall foursome ever.  Tom Brown, current PSU Sophomore and progeny of last year's winning foursome member Steve Brown, is an excellent golfer.  He is also smart enough to be studying Accounting. Tom also won the longest drive of the day.

Paul Mundy made it back into the fold for the first time in a few years.  Despite not golfing much in the interim, his frying pan of a driver still provided some excellent shots off the tee! And they changed hole #4 so he couldn't hit another tractor-trailer on 322.  Paul also won the Numb Nut award.  More on that in the next post.

But the MVP of the day was good friend and classmate Bob Gabel.  Despite being a group leader in the pharmaceutical business, he must have found some time to hit the links.  He hit shot after shot of precise, long shots off the tee, pinpoint shots from the fairways and was putting with the finesse of a Tiger.  Hats off to the man who arranged for my Independent Studies Classes back in the day.

Tom Brown, Paul Mundy and Bob Gabel, 2019 Tourney victors! Photo by Kay Warfel.

"In, You Son of a B..."

It's been a while since we had a Coach Groves post.  And because I have been reposting old posts from years ago, I figured I might as well post one with Coach Groves WHILE tooting my own horn.

Coach golfed with us a few years following his retirement from coaching.  Some years he golfed 2 holes with each foursome. Some years he just dispensed beverages from a cart. I was lucky enough to golf with him and Nick K. and Paul Mundy in 2009.  For some reason Nick filmed this putt.  I have no other video of any other putts that year.  And somehow, Coach almost sank the putt, showing me the exact line I needed to take.

I'm Still Working On the Photos and Stories From the Reunion

I actually have the day off and will eventually get to the photos from this weekend.  That is, after I pay all my late bills, feed the animals, water the plants and take a nap!

So until then, let's put up a list of people that couldn't make it and had a good reason:

1. Steve Shisler and Beth Shisler were at the Big Ten Championships watching their son Alex Shisler score points for the Nittany Lions.  Excuse Accepted.
2. Brian Boyer had business requiring knowledge of Physics in New Mexico.  Excuse Accepted.
3. Steve Balkey had a son graduating from College.  Excuse Accepted.
4. Paul Mundy had a daughter being married. Excuse Accepted.
5. Bill Kvashay and Mark Haywood were coaching at Districts.  Excuses Accepted.
6. Gary Black had business requiring extensive travel. Excuse (reluctantly) Accepted.
7. Darryl Jones had Graduation duties at Gettysburg College. Excuse Accepted.
8. And last, but certainly not least, Phil Passen was in Israel and even supplied proof with a Wrist Band pic at the Dead Sea Scroll Museum! Excuse Accepted.

Rockin the Band!

"Iron Butt" is Logging a Lot of Miles

Paul Mundy is on another Cross-Country trip on his motorcycle (made in York, PA if anyone is interested!).  You can follow his exploits on his daughter's blog, who joins him on large portions of his excursions.  Since I can't possibly do what he does, I'm certainly glad someone is there to help me pretend. May the roads be smooth, and the seats be soft!

Foursome of Favorites Fail to Finish

10)  John Gondak, Steve Shisler, Paul Mundy, Clark Haley (dnf)

This exact team ran away with the title last year and was the British Gambler's odds-on favorite to run away with it again.  But all the bets were for naught, as the Dream Team failed to finish the 18-holes in the regulation time period.

Paul "Crazy Pants" Mundy boomed drive after drive with "The Beast" to no avail. Let's be thankful he drives his Harley straighter than his golf drives!

Steve Shisler was disappointed in not getting his name on The Cup a second time. (And I failed to give him the photos from the 1985 Penn Relays 4 x 800 Championship of America for the second straight year!) 

Coach John Gondak became the Spokesman for the group when Clark became lost on the golf course somewhere on the front nine with just several holes remaining.  He held up well under the pressure of the podium at the Awards Dinner.  Which I am thankful for.

Clark Haley finally found a way to not win his own Golf Tournament.  And I'm thankful that Penn State Track and Field Alumni Golfers always are willing to help anyone in need.  Just like the group Clark started in 2002!

Things That Happened at The Track Alumni Weekend

1. More than 40 Golfers barely trashed the Elks Club Course.
2. More than 40 Hikers reached the top of Mt. Nittany during the golf outing.
3. More than 40 enthusiastic attendees checked out Horace Ashenfelter's  gold medal at the sports Museum during the golf outing.
4. More than 40 runners took a campus run during the saturday morning festivities.
5. More than 100 people came to the Friday night reception at The Lion's Den and Saturday night's dinner at the Ashenfelter Indoor Track.
6. Paul Mundy wore the most hideous or most glorious pants during the golf outing, depending on your state of mind.
7. I glanced across the room during the Friday reception and saw 3 members of the 1950  NCAA Cross Country Champions talking.
8. I met dozens of new friends, some of whom actually read this tripe on nearly a daily basis!  I express my thanks or my regrets, depending on your state of mind.
9. Our Official Physicist Brian Boyer wore a special Richard Feynman shirt to the event just for my benefit.
10. Director of Youth Development Artie Gilkes golfed the first round of his career with me on Saturday.  Next time out, he'll surpass my talents by leaps and bounds.
11. My wife got a prize at the Saturday Dinner that she will keep for herself and not give to the kids for the first time I have ever seen.  The PSU Track backpack is now a prized possession in our home, with two daughters angling for the item when backs are turned.  I may take it from them all soon.
12. Le faucon d'orange Mark Hawkins sank 2 out of three 40 foot putts to win the pre-round putting contest.  That was without any windmills or ceramic dinosaurs in the way, however.  He thus saved me $10, as I didn't need to enter.
13. Coach Groves told me a joke with a great putting tip in it that I cannot repeat EVER.  But I will remember it forEVER.
14. PSU Football Coach Bill O'Brien addressed the crowd before Coach Groves and Mr. Ashenfelter spoke at the Saturday Dinner.
15. Coach Hardyk and Ryan Foster became members of our Hall of Honor.  There are others, but I'm working on that.  I messed up and alienated a few before by overlooking them.  It was never my intention, so I'll try to research things and finalize it in the next few days.  Leave it to me to create a group with qualifications I can't keep track of...
16. That's a start, I'll keep bringing more...

American Excellence: (A Post Just For Paul Mundy)

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, many manufactured in humble little York, PA, are craved around the world.  And no wonder.  Here's one that happened to make a trip from north of Tokyo, Japan to the shores of Canada.  The owner was tracked down from the serial numbers and it turns out it was lost following the earthquake and tsunami disaster that preceded the second worst nuclear disaster in the world's history. (Although the locals here still have pride in Three-Mile Island.  "We're number 3, We're number 3!) The company is stepping up and fully restoring the bike before the owner gets it back.  I wonder if the owner will have to report that "extra mileage" if he wants to resell it?

Humble Blog Garners Increasing Attention

It's a pleasure to have a friend in the entire Penn State Track and Field / Cross Country Program.  When the organizers of the Harry Groves Tournament convened in 2002, no one had any inkling that anything like it would ever occur.  Everyone wins, that's for sure.

Our humble group garnered a full page in the recent newsletter from the Team.  Three of the original members of the group are mentioned as winners of the 10th Annual Tourney; Founder Clark Haley, Paul "Ironbutt" Mundy and Steve "Finally" Shisler.  With them in the photo is curator of "PSU is 800 U" Coach John Gondak.

Also included was a photo of Coach Dr. John Lucas revealing his top moments from the last 50 years of the Olympics, all witnessed by himself!  For those interested, it was Billy Mills' come-from-behind victory in the 10,000 M race in Tokyo in 1964.  When I wrote to Mr. Mills to let him know about it he was quite pleased and sent us a nice note himself.

Check out the entire newsletter and sign up as a Friend of the Program at the link above.  Every little bit of enthusiasm and funds really does make a big difference.  Seeing PSU Track (and Field!) grow in stature each year is quite pleasurable; joining in yourself is even better.

Bike Week

Hall of Honor member and three-time tourney winner Paul Mundy is off on another adventure.  This time his bike takes him south, visiting a slew of states he might have missed before.  He promises to send along some wrist band pics, but in the meantime we have a blog his daughter will update during their trip. Both are sporting Harley-Davidsons made in good 'ole York, PA.

mundysonmotorcycles blog

Foursome Number 2: The Pinnacle

The winners of the tourney this year have familiar faces, but results in two new inscribees on the Coach Harry Groves Cup.

Founder and Keeper of the Beer Clark Haley makes another appearance on the Cup, which I won't begrudge him this time because of all the work he put into it.  Clark arranged for a nifty t-shirt for everybody golfing and a hole-in-one package with a Grand Prize of $50,000!  Alas, nobody got close on that shot, taken before the tourney actually started, but during the actual tourney someone was within inches of another prize.

Paul Mundy wins his third Cup, cementing his position deep in The Hall of Honor.  He will soon be departing for a lengthy Harley-Davidson trip  with his daughter and then another lengthier trip to become certified as a true crazy biker.  He promises to take his wrist-band along for some scenic pictures.  (I'll have to remind him!)

Coach John Gondak brought his smile and plenty of golf talent to his second tourney and comes away with PSU Track Alumni Golfer glory!  Let's hope the luck continues as he takes Cas, Ryan and the rest of the middle distance stars to the NCAA Regionals!

And finally, Steve Shisler gets his name on the Cup as well.  There are four of us that have golfed in all ten of the tourneys, and he is the last to make the grade.  Not that I'm rubbing it in or anything.  I'm just saying.  Steve was distracted enough by the victory of his son at the District 6 400 M finals on Thursday that he relaxed and let his inner golf talents emerge.  No amount of relaxation or distraction will allow any golfing talent out of my bereft self!  Way to go Steve.

"The Beast" is Usurped as the Official Golf Club of PSU Track Alumni Golf!

"You must do something about the cheating."

-Coach Groves,  2009 Tournament.

Paul Mundy's Beast has been the official golf club of our group for years.  I really hate to see it go, but after watching this video, I have no choice!  Maybe Paul can turn that "extra" driver he has into a workable club with beverage dispenser?  Or satellite radio?  Or Spycam?

Kevin Dare Golf Tourney

The "A" foursome may already be chosen with the likes of Keeper of the Beer Clark Haley, Keeper of the Cup Harry Smith, Group Icon Paul Mundy, quintessential Hall of Honor member Steve Balkey, Director of Corporate Espionage Gary Black,  Grand Exalted IT Czar Jeff Sanden and newly crowned tournament champion Nick K.

But, that doesn't mean you can't join the "B" team or even my "D" team.  Let one of us know you are interested and you too can obtain a beautiful Golf Shirt from the group store.

The event is held Monday, September 20 on the Blue and White Golf Courses, and benefits the Kevin Dare Scholarship Fund.

Some Raffle Winners

And by some, I mean mostly Paul Mundy!  Paul not only received his Hall of Honor certificate on Friday, but also seemed to win every major raffle prize.  And I swear Clark Haley was entirely on the up and up with all the various raffles.  Paul won the Nike Sumo Driver valued at around $300, which will join The Beast and its family in his golf bag soon.  Paul plans on re-shafting it before coming back next year to try for the longest drive again.

Paul also won the Coach Groves signed and matted photo of Beaver Stadium.  (Did you know that PSU is the only college with a football stadium named after a past president of the University and a library named after the football coach!)  And when that wasn't enough, Paul then won the 50/50 raffle for another $130 or so.  Paul then became a Hall of Honor Paragon by donating back the entire loot!  Thank you, Paul.  Paul has been one of our strongest benefactors from day one, and this is one idiot officer that appreciates it immensely.

 First, a photo of Paul before he even won the darn thing!

And here's a great shot of The Beast and the rest of his family.  I have not dreamed up a name for the Sumo that will soon join the clan. Maybe someone else can help.

A Raffle to Replace "The Beast"?

Generous benefactors have struck again! This new Nike Sumo2, 11.5 degree, flex titanium shaft driver is up for grabs at the Awards dinner following the golf tourney. Retail value of this incredible club is $300! Special raffle tickets for the nearly skillet-sized slab of he-man golf bliss are only $10 a piece. Someone will walk away with a club which could allow him to reach the bottom of that lake with ease! Thanks to our esteemed benefactor for donating this extremely valuable item to our raffle. Take a chance, you'll make the real golfers jealous if you win!

Will Paul Mundy put in a few bills in an effort to replace "The Beast". And just how would "The Beast" react to the slight. "He" has been known to gnaw on 5-irons without provocation.

A Quorom of Idiots!

For the first time since the 2009 Harry Groves Golf Tournament a quorom of idiot officers (CFO Gary Black, Founder Clark Haley and Herder of Cats David Baskwill) was held in Plymouth Meeting at the P. F. Changs. Dinner again centered around Kung Pao Chicken. (I am nothing if not consistent!) The meeting promises some exciting minor tweaks to the 2010 Tourney and Reunion! It will also represent a celebration of Coach Groves 80th birthday.

In 2010, the Friday night reunion evening will be held at Damon's, next to the Hampton Inn. The Awards Dinner will also be at Damon's. A dinner of Ribs and Chicken will be available for a nominal $15 following the golf event. We will still call the event "The Shisler Shindig" in honor of the generous hospitality they have afforded us all these years. The possibility of a few cash events at the tourney, like mulligans, was broached. No final decisions were made. The sacredness of the names on the Harry Groves Memorial Cup cannot be threatened or diluted.

The 2 Philadelphia Outreaches cemented tight bonds among many of us old-timers, as well as generated enthusiasm among recent converts. My former roommate Doug Kent added intellectual heft to the group and provided us with much needed legal advice. PSU mile record holder Larry Mangan updated us on his efforts to negotiate a future Bahamanian Outreach and auxiliary golf tourney with PSU great Mike Sands. Michelle and Brandon Haley provided a family atmosphere to the whole event. Brandon was absolutely the happiest kid I have ever witnessed at a 3 hour dinner at a restaurant. Clark and Michelle are obviously doing something right. Janice Mundy again watched her husband inhale The Great Wall of Chocolate for dessert. Paul Mundy's next meal may be Thanksgiving Dinner! Barb Black again acted as the hostess, allowing me the opportunity to bring PSU Track Alumni Golf to the Masses. I actually attained a 50% success rate in photos this time. It turns out its the camera, not me!

Great Performance #9: Hanging with "The Beast"

Another boring day at work, another stupendous PSU Track Alumni Golf Great Performance.

In a first, this one involves good golf. (And a sprinter!) When Paul Mundy brought "The Beast" out of his bag on the par 5 5th at the Elks Club in 2008, no one could have foreseen the results, nor the controversy it brought. No one could have anticipated the antipathy from Clark Haley's foursome, nor the Congressional Inquiry that later resulted. No one could comprehend Coach's use of The Queensbury Rules to settle the dispute. The "Bird House Hole" never saw three more beautiful shots than Paul bestowed in Happy Valley that day. The first-shot was the disputed one. Technically, it was supposed to stay to the left of the bird house at all times. Whether it did or didn't, it ended to the left of the house, and narrowly avoided the rough and the lake. Coach insists the Queensbury Rules trump any stupid local golf course rules, and the shot stood. A beautiful second shot by Paul (the finest of the day) nestled just 3 or 4 inches from the pin for an easy tap-in for eagle. This was only the second eagle in our 7 years. (Who holed out the fairway shot in 2006?) Update: via Clark, it was Rick Kanuck or a blind squirrel!

The Congressional Inquiry was later discontinued, when Congress realized there was no tax-payer's money up for grabs.* Who knows what mayhem will ensue at this year's tourney? Will Barney Frank attend? Will a boxing match break out on the links?

*Political opinions are not endorsed by blog officers.