Though the high-school baseball season is several months away, parents and coaches know that it will be here before they know it.

When the season arrives, there will be many expenses to help ensure the baseball team has a successful year. On Saturday, the Long County Diamond Club held its third annual golf tournament to help raise money for the Blue Tide baseball team. This year, the tournament had 13 teams participate, raising $2,400 for the program.

The team of Kevin Giddens, Brad Harris, Mark Hewitt and Zach Dasher won the tournament by shooting 19 under par. For taking the top spot, the team won $500. The runner-up team of David Griffen, Ben Floyd, Jordan Robertson and Dustin McCain won $300. Nick Likins won $50 for having the longest drive in the tournament, while Kenny Stohl won $50 for having his ball land the closest to the hole. The third-place team won $200; the team was unavailable to provide names.

Blue Tide baseball head coach Tyler Rogers said that the money raised will go to fund items like field and training equipment, summer jerseys and pants.
Rogers also praised the booster club and parents for the support that they have given the team.
“I’m very fortunate. This is a very good group of parents, they do a lot and are very willing to help in any way that they can,” he said.

Booster-club president David Stapleton said the tournament was a success, but it only was successful because of the support of the sponsors.
“We want to thank the participants, our 22-hole sponsors, Mike Reed Chevrolet for putting up a car for a hole-in-one, and also the Cherokee Rose Golf Course for all that the do to help us,” he said.

After the golf was completed, each golfer enjoyed a meal together.
For more information on how to become a member or to help the Long County Diamond Club, call 432-6149.