Team's passions extend far beyond the course
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

ALLENTOWN - Their scores hopefully aren't but their doings off course definitely are above par.

The Allentown High School Golf and its Parent Golf Association (AHSPGA) have announced two more programs that will afford the team new means of giving back to the community that has supported it.

The AHSPGA helped the team in November 2006 to embark on a food drive for those in the community who are less fortunate. Along with efforts demonstrated by Allentown High School's baseball team and student council, the golf team contributed donations to local food banks totaling $1,400. The team also made an additional contribution of $400 to local charities in March.

This summer, the golf team, led by coach Doug Hunt, will partner with the management of the Cream Ridge Golf Course in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold to continue its community-minded programs.

AHSPGA Foundation co-founders Bob Korn and Bruce Novozinsky have worked with Hunt and parents Elizabeth Polvere and Joseph Monticello to coordinate two major community-oriented events to take place after the Redbird Golf Classic II, which took place May 4.

"The Redbird Golf Classic is our flagship," Novozinsky said. "This is our Super Bowl. So much time and energy was put into this event because we know it will be the main source of income to support our teams for all of the Upper Freehold Regional School District."

He continued, "But we don't so much as take a week off and it's on to the next thing."

The next things for the team will be to continue its food bank and food kitchen volunteer efforts.

"The thing that amazed me most," Novozinsky noted, "was that the boys will be out of school and still want to get together for these things."

He continued, "Also it's a testimony to the programs that individuals like Mr. Monticello get so deeply involved."

Monticello is the parent of Nick Monticello, who graduated from Allentown High School in 2006 as golf team captain. He now attends Methodist University in North Carolina as part of the school's Professional Golf Management curriculum.

The team will provide physical services to a local food kitchen by serving and cleaning. Also, the AHSPGA will pay for the personal hygiene kits a local community center requested. The kits will contain items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, deodorant and other toiletries.

The team had asked each participant playing in the classic to bring such products. The team also reached out to local businesses, including hotels for donations.

This summer, the team will also start the Doug Hunt Golf Camp. Taking place over the course of six weeks, members, Hunt, Monticello and other parent volunteers will conduct a free clinic on the grounds of Cream Ridge Golf Club.

"Mr. Ken Horner and Bill Miscoski have donated course time and Professional Golf Association professional Bill Marine will devote his talents as well," Novozinsky said.

The camp was opened to those in grades five to nine.

"Sixty slots were available, and the wait list is over 65 at this point," Novozinsky said.

Each participant in the clinic will be assigned to a mentor and a group of about four or five other golfers. Participants will work on pitching, putting and driving, along with sportsmanship and course etiquette.

After July 4, the kids will be evaluated and based on skill level, be placed in groups for a three-hole/three-club tournament for prizes and awards.

"This is something Doug Hunt has wanted to do for years, so the board of the AHSPGA decided to get it going," Novozinsky said. "The man has put more years than he cares to admit into developing and promoting the game of golf and its young players. This is going to be a small part in his well-deserved legacy."

In order to be able to fund the clinic and other programs, the AHSPGA seeks donations from local individuals, families and businesses. In recent weeks, the AHSPGA has secured several major corporate sponsorship commitments for 2008. Titleist has committed to a level 4 sponsorship of equipment and apparel, and Sam's Club contacted AHS Athletic Director Brian Irwin about a grant program.

Novozinsky continued, "Kids giving back - what is not to support? If they give their time and energy, the parents have shown their pride and unwavering support. We rarely say no¿ but we can use all the help we can get."

The AHSPGA and golf team members were also proud to have raised some funding to help purchase a surfboard for fellow student Rebecca Wishbow, an AHS athlete who is fighting a winning battle against leukemia.