Skidmore coach leads effort in fight against cancer

A full field of golfers converged on Saratoga National Golf Course in Saratoga Springs on Monday, Aug. 29, to do their part in battling cancer. Participants from around the country were among 142 golfers taking part in the fourth annual Teeing Off on Cancer Golf Classic, organized by Skidmore head women's basketball coach Darren Bennett.

The event raised approximately $32,000 for Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society, helping to support cancer research and raise awareness of the disease.

Hurricane Irene had hit the area the previous day, creating travel glitches for some players and a range of other challenges, but the weather cleared on Monday and the tournament was on.

"Not even hurricane Irene could stop the energy and efforts the participants brought to the course," said Bennett. "Saratoga National's staff did an unbelievable job in making the course playable. We did lose our morning round due to remnants of Sunday's storm, but the afternoon and evening were ours to celebrate."

Longtime supporters Mary and Rich Flaherty of the Flaherty Family Foundation were honorary chairs of this year's event for the second year running. "We are here to cure cancer," said Rich Flaherty in his remarks at the reception and dinner following the tournament. "Every day we make strides in this effort, but people are still dying. We can't stop searching for a cure." 

The sold-out classic welcomed area coaches as well as a range of civic and business leaders and golf enthusiasts. Golfers came from all over New York State, as well as fromConnecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Coaches representing a range colleges and universities took part in the event, including those from Boston College, the Sage Colleges, Siena, University of Hartford, SUNY Cortland, University of Rochester, and Skidmore.

Said Bennett, "The day was awesome. We continue to get new golfers, new sponsored support, and new donations from those dedicated to the fight against cancer. We also rely heavily on the continued support from past participants and donors. Their support and passion is what makes it all happen. Together we will continue the fight, and together we will beat every kind of cancer."

The organizers encouraged other supporters beyond the competing golfers to join them at Saratoga National for the post-competition reception. The event offered raffles, contests, and silent and live auctions, as well as donation drop boxes, to raise additional funds. Auction items included sports memorabilia, event tickets, dining and lodging experiences, merchandise, and gear.

Bennett, who helped launch the event four years ago, conceptualized the tournament and put together a team of local business and community leaders to help implement it.

Event volunteers from Skidmore included Karen Arciero, Tom Bayer, Mary Cogan, Megan Gaugler (Class of 2012), Emily Guby, Carol Moreau, Margie Noel, Michelle Paquette, and Susan Parrillo. Tournament Committee members from Skidmore included Darren Bennett, Patricia Heritage, and Kelly Dempsey-Little.