Swinging the sticks for Bama

Published 12:05 am Tuesday, October 4, 2016

 Jeremiah Castille hangs out with fans Wendy Weaver and Barry Champion.

Jeremiah Castille hangs out with fans Wendy Weaver and Barry Champion.

Several golfers came out for the annual for the 18th annual University of Alabama Alumni Golf Tournament at Andalusia Country Club on Monday afternoon, and then enjoyed a steak dinner as well as speech from Crimson Tide team chaplain Jeremiah Castille.

“We had a really good turnout,” golf tournament chairman Jeff Sellers said. “This helps us raise funds to give scholarships to local high school students. We want to thank all the sponsors and the golfers that continue to support us year in and year out.”

Darby’s Village Pharmacy’s team of Martin Clifton, Jordan Maynor and William Alverson claimed the top spot in the tournament with a score of 55.

First place finishers Martin Clifton and Jordan Maynor. Not pictured William Alverson.

First place finishers Martin Clifton and Jordan Maynor. Not pictured William Alverson.

Maynor also won the long drive competition.

Barry Champion, Aaron Barton and Preston Weaver finished in second place with a score of 58.

Third place went to CCB’s team of Mark Chambers, Tyler Smith and Eric Wiley.

After the tournament, players and other guest enjoyed a steak dinner while guest speaker, Castille, spoke to the crowd.

Castille spoke with the crowd about his playing days with the Crimson Tide as well as he current role as the team’s chaplain.

Castille told the crowd about one of the greatest honors he received in his life.

“The most tremendous honor is my life was being asked by Bear Bryant’s family to be a pallbearer at his funeral,” Castille said. “That funeral showed me the impact that he had on everyone in this state.”

Castille told the crowd how much he appreciated on the fans and the University of Alabama.

“I’m forever indebted to the University of Alabama for giving me a chance,” Castille said. “I was the only one of eight children that graduated high school. I came back to Alabama to be the chaplain because I wanted to be the encouragement for these kids that I had when I was there. We can all do great things, but we all need the encouragement.”