The 2nd annual Hillcat Hacker Invitational crowned a second-time champion, honored new participants and enjoyed fundraising success with the help of generous sponsors. The event was held Nov. 11 on RSU’s Claremore Campus.
Twenty-three teams of RSU alumni, staff, students and friends competed in the event’s two flights.
After winning the inaugural Hillcat Hacker in 2010, Mike Turpen, a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and friends won a second set of Hacker trophies by winning the morning flight. His teammates were Frosty Turpen, Brent Turpen and Gordon Ewing.
The afternoon flight was won by a team entered by Birdie Sponsor Play 2 Win Athletics of Claremore. Team members were Mike Ryan, Mark Haggard, Andy Warehime and Jerry McMillen.
“The Hillcat Hacker Invitational was a huge success this year. The weather could not have been more perfect and the participants and sponsors were a spirited group,” said event chair Clarice Doyle.
“As a young university, we have the unique privilege of helping to establish new Homecoming traditions. The Hacker event is a good fit for RSU’s alumni and athletics program; a great environment for networking and strolling down memory lane while enjoying one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful college campuses. We hope even more of the community, our faculty, staff and alumni will embrace the Hillcat Hacker spirit and join us in 2012.”
Two new awards were given at this year’s event.
The Hillcat Spirit award, recognizing the team whose attire best reflected the spirit of the event, was given to the team from Eagle Sponsor Key Construction, which was made up by Jamae Jefferson, Will Page, Jason Temme and Marie Yeagley. They wore matching argyle outfits.
The Hillcat Pride Award, recognizing the team with the best RSU-themed attire, was given to a student team sponsored by Charlie’s Chicken consisting of Casey Allison, Brandon Irby, Drew Taylor and Casey Cassity.
Key Construction was the event’s presenting Eagle Sponsor. Birdie Sponsors were Charlie’s Chicken and Play 2 Win Athletics. Par Sponsors were Lafarge Cement and Gwen Liebl. Hole Sponsors were Wal-Mart, All Star Trophies, Community Home Health and J&J Pharmacy..