What could make a golf tournament more fun and challenging than blowing cross winds on every hole on a beautiful sunny day? The wind was an obstacle above and beyond the bunkers and sand traps, but golfers participating in the 26th annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble sponsored by Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) defeated the wind and had a great day golfing on June 11.

The tournament was held June 11 at both Newtown Country Club (NCC) and Rock Ridge Country Club (RRCC). The format of using the two Newtown clubs has allowed the NSA committee to put foursomes at each course and rotate teams the next year. All golfers end their day at Rock Ridge Country Club for dinner.

This golf tournament is one fundraiser that supports NSA's mission to put a college education within reach for high school students from Newtown. Founded in 1937, NSA has been funding students for 81 years and has distributed more than $4 million to over 3,000 students to date. This year alone, NSA awarded over $80,000 to 62 graduating seniors from Newtown and also is awarding 121 students approximately $250,000 in continuing aid to those currently attending college. The Golf Scramble is just one way NSA raises money to assist students to further their education.

NSA chose to honor John Trentacosta this year. Trentacosta has given years of service to Newtown Savings Bank, retiring December 2017 as president, but continuing his service to the bank as chairman of the Board of Directors.

Trentacosta's service to the community is due to the love of his town. A valued business leader in our region, Trentacosta was honored this year by NSA for his continued years of strong support of countless local causes including Newtown Scholarship Association.

Many local businesses and individuals have supported the Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble for continued years, including Newtown Savings Bank, the official sponsor of this year's tournament. NSA President Pat Kelley and former president Ted Kohler organized the Scramble and are looking forward to many more successful golf tournaments with the support of the NSA board and Newtown community.

First low gross winners at Rock Ridge Country Club are Bob Watson, Mike Johnson, Jon Briggs, and Chris Watson. The foursome finished with a gross score of 60.

First low gross winners playing Newtown Country Club are Brian Malloy, Dan Schenzer, Joe Young, and Garrett Young. The team finished with a gross score of 56.

First low net winners playing Rock Ridge Country Club are David Fletcher, Tim O'Connell, George Trudell, and Bob Gleason. The foursome finished with a net score of 56.

First low net winners playing Newtown Country Club are Dr Lionel Brown, Bob Serio, and Mark and Greg Korotash. The foursome ended their day with a net score of 51.4.