The first annual Wabaunsee Disc Golf Tournament was held Saturday, October 14, 2023. Originally 20 players signed up to play. However, 27 players ended up playing the course for fun or as part of the tournament.
This is a part of a FCCLA STAR Event for National Programs in Action for Community Service. This project relates to community service because it identifies local concerns and thus carried out activities to improve the quality of life in the community. Alma has a disc golf course in that is not being utilized by many and this project was made to increase awareness of the course in town and about the sport; disc golf. This is a service to the community by making people aware of what is already in Alma and educating people how to play. The extra funds raised from this event are going to making tee pads and moving a hole.
This course was started by three 2019 graduates and became a reality in summer of 2020. It is located at McKnight Field in Alma. Hole 1 starts behind the softball field and is a 9 hole course.
Many participants exempted themselves from top prizes due to having disc golf items already and knowing this tournament was intended to encourage new players to learn a skill. The tournament was set up to play the 9 holes twice for an 18 hole tournament.
The elementary division had two participants. Each was given a personalized disc and tote bag for participating.
CTPs: (closest to pin) The furthest tee-off throw on specific holes were given out in three holes for adult, high school, and junior high divisions.
Winners were:
Junior High - Austin Cassell, Bennett Noriega
High School - Conrad Cassell, Isabelle Stuhlsatz, Deacon Yocum
Adult - Chris Cassell, Ryan Armbrust, Alex Speth
The top score for each division had a choice to receive a new disc golf bag or pass onto the next best score. Winners were:
Junior High - Austin Cassell
High School - Graham Castillo
Adult - Ryan Armbrust
Ryan Armbrust also took home the disc golf basket that was donated by Tayler Sievers.
With the registration fee each participant received a driver disc. Other discs were donated for new players to use and/or take home. With registration money top prizes and CTP prizes were purchased. After registration fees and a few additional cash donations some funds were left to help to start completion of the tee pads, moving of a hole due to tennis courts being added, and modifying the course map to be posted. Donations are being accepted to help do all of the above. Donations can be sent to Wabaunsee High School FCCLA or given to Conrad. Conrad has hopes to sponsor more tournaments in the future to keep the course updated and finish what may not be completed with funds raised from this tournament.
As a follow up to this project Conrad has placed a QR code on Hole 1. If you happen to play disc golf before his project is due in February of 2024 make sure to scan the code so he can track how much the course is played to see the difference his project has made in the community.
Check out the photos in the Wabaunsee Signal Enterprise from October 19th. If you have questions about the course location or how to donate to complete the course tee pads and other parts, contact Conrad by email at robertcassell@usd329.com.