Team Thorlton Wins Cheerleader Golf Tourney

Despite a struggling economy and numerous dark clouds that gathered throughout the day, the inaugural Sebring Cheerleaders golf tournament came off without a hitch on Saturday at Pinecrest Golf Club.

The one-day, 18-hole tournament was a fundraiser for nine Sebring High School senior cheerleaders, who hope to be able to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The tournament, which used a four-person scramble format, attracted a field of 94 golfers and several thousand dollars was raised by the event.

"We're pleased with the turnout for the tournament," said Brenda DaSilva, whose daughter Tayrn is on the Blue Streak squad. "This is a great opportunity for the girls and we're doing everything we can to fundraise to help them get to New York."

The cost to make the trip to participate in the prestigious parade is $2,000 per girl.

"We've had girls go in the past," said DaSilva. "But this is the largest group we've ever had and we're going to have more fundraisers over the next couple of months to make sure they all get to go."

In the Low Gross division, the talented team of Ryan Thorlton, Cody Watt, Joey DeSimone and Robert Griffin finished first with a score of 58, after a match of cards with the foursome of Tres Stephenson, John Palmer, John Gose and Rick Hitt.

In the Low Net division, Doug Dyer, Will Cohen, Andy Brooks and Glen Cordell finished first with a 50, while Bill Lamens, Ken Poe, Tom Bates and Dan Hard placed second with a 55 after a match of cards.

The team of David Thompson, Ronnie Skinner, Jack Stemple and John Thorpe came in third with their 55, while Dr. John Caruso, Roy Allen, Joe DeCerbo and John Schroeder placed fourth with a 55.

Closeset-to-the-pin honors went to Will Cohen on Hole No. 5 and Paul Morris on Hole No. 10.

The Sebring cheerleaders, which won the large co-ed state championship last year, were on hand to make sure things ran smoothly for the golfers.

"We're really thankful to the community for their support," said 17-year-old Blue Streak cheerleader Kendall Bachman. "It's an honor to be invited to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and we want to be able to send all the girls to New York."

The Sebring cheerleaders are planning another fundraiser for Saturday, Aug. 16.

A co-ed softball tournament is planned for the Highlands County Sports Complex with the entry fee of $100 per team, which guarantees each team at least two games.

"We hope we have a big turnout for the softball tournament," said Brenda DaSilva. "Cheerleading is a very expensive sport and we're so thankful for the support we receive from the community."

For more information on the softball tournament contact Pete Zeegers at 863-452-4900 or Christina Kuhn at 863-214-8118.