By Rob Potter
SOUTH FALLSBURG — June 26, 2007 — For the second consecutive year, a foursome representing the Orange County Probation Department has captured The Jake Cup trophy at the The Jake Classic Golf Tournament.
The team of Jim Adams, Tim Davidian, Steve DiMatteo and Mike Price scored a 7-under par 65 to finish first in the Law Enforcement Division – and win the Jake Cup – at the fifth annual event, which was held on June 9 at the Tarry Brae Golf Course in South Fallsburg.
The Jake Classic event was established by the Sullivan County Probation Officers Association (SCPOA) to honor the late Jacob “Jake” E. Gunther III, who represented the 98th District in the New York State Assembly until his untimely passing in July 2003.
A record total of 124 golfers played in the 2007 Jake Classic.
The team of George Cook, Judge Anthony Kane, Declan Leidington and Eugene Malone won the civilian division.
Each year, proceeds from the event are used to award $1,000 scholarships to two local high school seniors, one from Orange County and one from Sullivan County, who will be attending college with the goal of pursuing a career in the field of law enforcement.
This year’s scholarship recipients were Thomas J. Kimicek and Michael Maltese.
Maltese, who graduated from Liberty Central School this past weekend, plans to major in Criminal Justice at C.W. Post University on Long Island.
“I would eventually like to work for the DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration],” Maltese replied when asked about his ultimate career goal.
Kimicek, who graduated from Minisink Valley High School this past weekend, plans to major in Criminal Justice at Orange County Community College in Middletown. Kimicek said he wants to become a New York State Trooper.
Several special awards were presented during a ceremony after all of the golfers finished play.
They included: Closest to the Pin (women’s division) – Kate Fanning
Closest to the Pin (men’s division) – Jason Fidorca
Closest to the Line (men’s division) – Brenton Smith
Longest Drive (women’s division) – Analey Dietrich
Longest Drive (men’s division) – Brenton Nash
Putting Contest winner – Pete Sigelakis
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Tournament Chairman Lou Setren thanked Honorary Tournament Chairman Aileen Gunther, the tournament committee members and volunteers, all of the golfers, the tournament sponsors and the area businesses which provided raffle prizes. Setren also recognized the Robert Green Dealerships of Monticello, which sponsored the hole-in-one prize of a 2007 Chevy Avalanche, Teamsters Local #445 of Newburgh and PGA Pro Glenn Sonnenschein, his wife Pattie and the entire staff at Tarry Brae Golf Course – which has hosted every Jake Classic tournament.
In addition, a moment of silence was held for Jim Cavello, who passed away in March. Cavello, a 33-year member of the Rock Hill Fire Department and a New York State Fire Instructor for several years, was one of the dedicated volunteers who helped out at previous Jake Classic events.