By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Seeing so many former SYHS football alumni attend and support the Rio Memorial Golf Tournament last year made head coach Jeff McClurg believe even more in the power of Pirate Pride.

“Seeing the players who haven’t been back together for years come and have a great time, talking about memories and fun stories of Carl and Jeff, was a great day. I am excited to start the process over again for this year,” McClurg said.

 A previous golf fundraiser had been called the Jeff Rio Memorial Golf Tournament. When Jeff’s father and fellow coach Carl Rio died three years ago, McClurg decided it was time to revive the tournament and rename it. With the blessing of Carl Rio’s widow, Mary Ellen, the Rio Memorial Golf Tournament went forward.

This year’s tournament will be held Saturday, June 8, at the River Course at the Alisal. McClurg is looking for volunteers and sponsors for the event.

The money raised at the tournament will help defer costs of ordering 12 football helmets at $450 a piece and shoulder pads at $250 a piece, according to McClurg.

Last year’s tournament raised about $22,000, which covered the costs of uniforms.

“The district only pays two coaching stipends and reconditioning of helmets, so this money also helps pay all our coaching staff,” McClurg said.

During the season the players practice three hours a day. In the off season they lift weights for an hour in the morning.

“These coaches are more than just coaches. We help our players through difficult situations and issues they’re going through,” McClurg said.

The Santa Ynez Football Boosters Club also supports the team by paying for charter buses for distant away games.

For more information, email Don Kadlec at pirategolftournament@gmail.com or McClurg at jmcclurg@syvuhsd.org. Golfers can register and pay online at www.sypiratefootball.com or go the tournament’s Facebook page.

The football program is also raising money through its annual Pirate Pass Savings Card. Participating businesses need to register by May 1.

The football boosters will print 1,250 cards, which give discounts at many Santa Ynez Valley businesses from Aug. 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020.