Heritage Oaks takes top prize at 23rd annual SBCC Golf Classic

By Dave Loveton, SBCC Sports Information

Heritage Oaks Bank claimed the top honor in the 23rd annual SBCC Golf Classic. The 18-hole scramble tourney, the biggest fundraiser of the year for Vaquero Athletics, was held in perfect conditions on Monday, March 14 at La Cumbre Country Club.

The Heritage Oaks team of Luis Villegas, Cam Sanchez, Sergio Villa and Gil Torres shot a 13-under 58 to win the men's low gross by five shots over Dodger Blues. The Agency Luxury Real Estate, the title sponsor of the tourney, took the men's low net with a score of 55.45. The Agency team members were Chris Dyson, Mike Leipert, Matt Klein and Mike Grady.

Evan Colavincezo, the longtime head pro at La Cumbre and a former SBCC student-athlete, was this year's tournament honoree. The theme of the tourney was "Teeing Students Up for Success."

American Riviera won the Banker's Bowl with Jeff DeVine, Andrew Chung, Jeff Holzer and David Hay combining for a 63. DeVine also won the putting contest and a five-day Carnival cruise for two. In 2008, DeVine made a 50-foot putt to win $50,000 in the SBCC Classic.

The tourney is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the 19 intercollegiate athletic teams at SBCC and supports student-athletes with everything from outstanding assistant coaches to tutoring to equipment and transportation.

"This tournament is just as much about building and maintaining relationships as it is about fundraising," said athletic director Ryan Byrne. "This was, once again, one of our most successful tournaments in regard to both facets. We are so fortunate to have such a supportive community here that recognizes what a special program we have.

"As I always say, SBCC Athletics is a model student success program and this tournament provides us with the resources that allow us to truly be great at what we do and take our program to the next level."

The long-drive winners were Seth Ludwig for the men and Sue Wilcox for the women. They won 2 tickets to multiple pro sporting events. Closest-to-the-Pin winners at No. 7 were Jesse Natale (6 feet, 0 inches) and Connie Stein (4-6).

The Agency was the title sponsor. Other sponsors were Union Bank, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, BMW of Santa Barbara, Morgan Adams Inc., Heritage Oaks Bank, Smithson Painting, Jordano's, Nike, Pacifica Suites, Montecito Bank & Trust, Presqu'ile Winery, American Riviera Bank, Lexus of Santa Barbara, Village Properties Realtors, Student Insurance USA and Frank Shipper Construction.

23rd annual SBCC Golf Classic
Monday, March 14
At par-71 La Cumbre CC
  Men's Low Gross – 1, Heritage Oaks: Luis Villegas, Cam Sanchez, Sergio Villa, Gil Torres, 58. 2, Dodger Blues: Geoff Bloomingdale, Jim Perry, Brandon Gama, Mike McGinnis, 63.
  Men's Low Net – 1, The Agency: Chris Dyson, Mike Leipert, Matt Klein, Mike Grady, 55.45. 2, Morgan Adams Inc.: Kevin Kirkpatrick, Earl Armstrong, John Dorman, Scott Robert, 58.05. 3, Pacifica Suites: John Chessie, Patrick Hall, Seth Ludwick, Andy Gill, 58.30.
 Women's Low Gross--1, Karen Platt, Sue Wilcox, Chris Portney, Susan Robeck, 69.
 Women's Low Net--1, Rootin Tootin: Diane Wootten, Connie Stein, Asta Anthony, Elberta Pate, 64.95.
 Mixed Low Gross – 1, The Smileys: Doug Smiley, Kyle Smiley, Matt Smiley, Catherine Remak, 70.
 Mixed Low Net – 1, SYBCI: Maxine Littlejohn, Robert Corbi, Sandy Beguhl, Christian Viarz, 61.
 Banker's Bowl (Team gross for Bankers) – 1, American Riviera: Jeff DeVine, Andrew Chung, Jeff Holzer, David Hay. 
 Long Drive – Men:  Seth Ludwig.  Women:  Sue Wilcox.
 Closest to the Pin – No. 7: Men --  Jesse Natale, 6 feet, 0 inches. Women -- Connie Stein, 4'6".  No. 13:  1, Mike McGinnis, 3'10". 2, Matt Genovese, 4'1". 3, Craig Meredith , 5'11".
 Closest to the Line – No. 16: Men – Rich Ridgeway.  Women – Sue Wilcox.