By By Jeff Byrd / sports editor
June 6, 2003
CHOCTAW Junior College coaches along with prep coaches from Lauderdale County turned out to honor the late Steve Hull Thursday at the WTOK-Rush Coaches Golf Tournament, aka., the Steve Hull Memorial, at the Pearl River Resort's Dancing Rabbit Golf Club.
The event is put together by WTOK Sports Director Lindsay Hall. For years, Hall had a summer tournament for the area's prep and junior college coaches.
But when Hull died suddenly of a heart attack some 21 months ago, ironically while playing golf in Philadelphia, Hall decided to combine the tournaments into one and name it after Hull, who was the head men's basketball coach at East Mississippi Community College.
The proceeds from the tournament go to benefit Steve Hull's two children, Trex and Bailey, in a way to raise college scholarship funds.
Les Hull was grateful to play golf in a way to honor his brother who died at the age of 39.
Southeast Lauderdale girls' basketball coach Joe Miller was one of several prep coaches who played in the event.
Lamar School head football coach Mac Barnes and West Lauderdale head girls' basketball coach Jody Hurst also attended and played in the tournament.
A total of 113 golfers ponied up to play in the four-man scramble event. The cost was $100 per player. The coaches enjoyed a night of hospitality on Wednesday night at the Silver Star Casino.
Most of the coaching staff at East Mississippi CC played in the tournament which included current mens basketball coach Clay Armstrong, women's' coach Dale Peay, assistant baseball coach Tony Montgomery, head football coach Tom Goode and assistant football coach Tommy Moore.
Hall nearly won of the major prizes at the tournament.
On hole No. 11, a hole-in-one nets the golfer $10,000.
Hall's near-miss on his drive did net him closest to the pin honors.