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2008 Illini Dairy Judging Team Golf outing

The 5^th Illini Dairy Judging team golf outing was held on June 13^th at the University of Illinois Blue Course in Savoy. The event provided a way for former judging team members, friends, and University alumni to get together and help raise funds for the judging team. Ninety six golfers (twenty-four teams) completed the 18 hole Blue course. Midwest Dairy Association provided prizes for the three flights. Individuals and organizations also provided twenty-four hole sponsors.

The Framed panoramic picture of the Rose Bowl signed by all the University of Illinois football coaches was the big item at the auction and purchased by Alumni Ron Debatin. Other auction items were Cardinal-Cub tickets donated by Mike Turley, autographed football signed by the University of Illinois Football coach Ron Zook, and a picture of Rose Bowl by Tintype Shoppe of Arthur, Illinois and alumni Don Kaiser. Fourteen items were sold at a silent auction with the silent auction and live auction netting over $4000.

The winner of the better ball scramble was the Ric Thacker team (16 under). The big winner was the University Dairy judging team as over $14,000 was raised to support judging team activities and scholarships.

Approximately 140 individuals attended the barbeque and swapped stories with old friends. Coach Ron Zook (University of Illinois football coach) spoke to the group relating to his days of being associated with dairying as a youth, discussing the future of the Illini football team and answering questions.

Committee members Ron Debatin, Jason and Tammy Oertel, Chris Keim, Dan Hornickel, and Gene McCoy organized the event. Big thanks to HiDee Ekstrom, Secretary in Animal Sciences, for keeping everyone on the committee organized from mailing, phone calls, art work for brochure, signs, posters, and keeping the event flowing.

Plans are underway for next year's event planned for June 12, 2009. Watch for further details!!!!!!