Red Hawk Open Shines

There was plenty of enthusiasm and sunshine on Sept. 30, as 135 golfers hit the links to raise more than $130,000 for Montclair State University student athletes and programs at the 12th annual Red Hawk Open, held for the first time at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton.

Attendees enjoyed a day on the course that included a BBQ lunch and dinner reception, along with enticing auction items, raffles and prizes. Silent auction items included rounds of golf at Upper Montclair Country Club, Essex Fells Country Club, Essex County Country Club, tickets to a New Jersey Devils game, a family day at American Dream, and more.

“It’s terrific that our alumni and friends rallied their support to benefit Montclair student athletes and sports-related initiatives,” says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement.

Proceeds from the 2024 outing will continue to support the University’s athletes by providing updates to the Panzer Fitness Center and enriching the student-run and produced Red Hawk Sports Network (RHSN).

“We appreciate the great support that we receive from our alumni, friends and campus partners to enhance the student-athlete experience at Montclair,” says Rob Chesney, director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

During the dinner portion, three student athletes thanked guests for their support and shared the difference it makes for Montclair students.

“Montclair has led me to unbelievable opportunities,” said senior Grant Holbrook, part of the men’s basketball team who is majoring in Business Administration. “To me, being a student athlete means being dedicated to bettering yourself on and off the court while excelling in the classroom and in the community.”

Senior Matthew Pontari, who is studying business management and is a member of the baseball team, shared: “My coaches have always been – and will always be – there for me … That is what makes Montclair such a special place. All of us are here to get a great education and win championships, but it’s what takes place day-in and day-out that leads to all of the success.”

“As a first-generation student in a single parent household, I hadn’t imagined I could reach these heights in my college career,” said senior Tiffany Sosa, a Sports Communication major and member of the women’s basketball team, in sharing how her Montclair experience has helped her grow.

In his remarks, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell thanked attendees for their partnership in creating opportunities for Montclair students, pointing out the importance of students gaining professional hands-on experiences that prepare them for their careers.

Committee and Sponsor Support

“The outing’s success was made possible by each of our sponsors, the hard work of my fellow Red Hawk Open committee members and all the golfers who participated,” says Anthony Carlino ’77, who serves on the Red Hawk Open committee as well as vice chair of the Montclair State University Foundation.

• Red Hawk Open Committee:
  Anthony Carlino ’77
  Christopher Fitzpatrick ’04
  Daniel Grant ‘05
  Rob Lieberman
  Brian Mieth
  Judi Schumacher Tilton
  Greg Shanaphy ’91
  David Wertheim ’79
• Outing Sponsors:
  Academy Orthopaedics
  Goldman Sachs
• Dinner Reception Sponsor:
  Scarinci Hollenbeck
• Halfway House Sponsor:
  Terminal Construction Corporation
• Lunch Sponsors:
  Inserra Supermarkets
  Onpoint Powerwashing & Painting
  Schumacher Chevrolet
• Cart Sponsors:
  Automated Logic
  Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
  Murgado Automotive Group
  PSEG
  Taylor Law Group, LLC
• Putting Green Sponsor:
  Power Consulting
• Driving Range Sponsors:
  Genova Burns
  Overlook Corporate Center
  Resnick Law Firm LLC
  SERVPRO of Clifton
  Universal Electric Motor Service
  Withum
• Longest Drive Sponsors:
  LEAP Hockey
  Nick and Jill ‘00 Iannitelli
• Hole Sponsors:
  American Wear Uniforms
  Michele ’80 and Keith ’79 Ansbacher
  Buchanan
  Cantone Press
  Carpenter Contractor Trust
  Chocolate Fantasia
  Chris Fitzpatrick Speaks
  Cougar Aquatic Team
  Darling Boutique
  Drew & Rogers
  Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
  ENV
  ESSEE Floor Covering
  Field Turf
  Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
  Icon International Inc.
  JRM Construction Management
  Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages
  Local Union 253
  Kevin Neary ’86
  PKF O’Connor Davies
  Take Me to the Water Swim School

For more photos, please view the photo album.

For more information about how you can support Montclair Athletics, please contact Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, director of Annual Giving, at 973-655-7492 or brennanka@montclair.edu.