UC's Tuberville plays golf, raises money for heroes
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 9:10 p.m. EDT July 31, 2014
Tommy Tuberville greets the golfers at his charity event Thursday at Hidden Valley.(Photo: Tom Groeschen/The Enquirer)
LAWRENCEBURG – Tommy Tuberville is about ready to park his golf clubs until spring. First, the University of Cincinnati football coach had important business here Thursday at Hidden Valley Golf Club.
The Tommy Tuberville Foundation inaugural golf outing drew 25 foursomes on a seasonably hot, sunny day. The funds raised will help build homes for members of the military who are recipients of the Purple Heart medal.
"People have been awfully generous, donating their time and efforts," Tuberville said. "It's pretty much sold out. We've got over 100 golfers who donated their time and efforts and money."
After a robust lunchtime grill-out, Tuberville toured the course in a motorized cart. The coach thanked the golfers, posed for group photos and tried to hit at least one ball with every foursome.
"Being in the community, you want to do things other than athletics," Tuberville said. "I think this is a great opportunity for (wife) Suzanne and I to do something for our wounded warriors, guys that have been to battle for our country."
Gunner Kiel, Tony Pike and other current and past Bearcats attended the inaugural Tommy Tuberville Foundation golf outing.
MEET AND GREET: Several current UC players attended and greeted the golfers, including quarterbacks Gunner Kiel, Jarred Evans and Munchie Legaux.
PIKE RETURNS: Former UC quarterback Tony Pike was among the golfers, whose ranks included UC boosters and local business leaders. "It's an unbelievable cause, and obviously coach Tuberville feels strongly about it," Pike said. "Just to be able to come and give back in any way that we can, it's pretty special."
Pike is now general manager of the D1 Cincinnati athletic training facility in Sharonville.
Pike said he may do some sideline radio reporting at UC games this year, when the need arises for an extra reporter.
RECEIVING VOTES: UC totaled six points Thursday in the preseason USA Today coaches' poll, which left the Bearcats tied for 43rd place. "We'll work our way up," Tuberville said.
CAMP LOOMS: UC players will report for preseason camp Aug. 10 at the Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center in West Harrison. The season opener is Sept. 12 against Toledo (7 p.m., ESPNU) at Paul Brown Stadium.
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