March 10, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Golden Moon Eagle Classic each year generates scholarship monies for a deserving Southern Miss football student-athlete.

This year's event was no exception as the two-day gathering, sponsored by the Golden Moon and Pearl River Resort along with presenting sponsor Big Buck Sports in Hattiesburg, honored former Golden Eagle standout Reggie Collier.

The tournament and auction generated over $40,000 to endow an athletic scholarship in Collier's name. This scholarship will be awarded annually.

Several highlights of the weekend included the performance of local recording artist Madison Cook, a meeting of numerous former Southern Miss players and coaches as well as current coach Larry Fedora, and the Sunday golf tournament, which featured over 180 golfers and celebrities, including former Southern Miss players and coaches.

The list included Ray Guy, Michael Jackson, Bobby Hamilton, Louis Lipps, Fred Cook, Amos Fowler, Bud Brown, Sammy Winder Bobby Collins and Jim Carmody. Other celebrities at the event included Ray Perkins, Willie Totten, Hugh Green, Kent Hull, Willie Richardson, Nolan Smith, Aubrey Matthews, and former major league baseball players, Bobby Myrick and Barry Lyons.

The golf tournament finished in a four-way tie for first place and a scorecard playoff determined the winner. Here is a list of the top six foursomes:

First Place (net 53) - Gary Camp, Rick Trusty, Bob Jepson and Keith Mooney (with help from Ray Perkins)

Tie for Second (net 53) - Denny Sumrall, Jason Boone, Brad Bounds and Clay Speights

Tie for Second (net 53) - Billy Walker, David Terry, Bob Peden and Scott Satfford (with help from celebrity Barry Lyons)

Tie for Second (net 53) - Gary Lett, Lance Reid, John Diggets and Perry Harrington

Fifth Place (net 54) - Ron Savell, Chris McDonald, Will Taylor and Greg Phillips

Sixth Place (net 55) - Charlie Rogers, Darren Welch, Richard Edgin

Chris Hester won the closest to the hole contest.