View Photos Of Golf Tournament

TAMPA - On April 23, the University of South Florida volleyball team hosted its 10th annual Control Systems Specialists, Inc. (C.S.S.I.) golf tournament fundraiser at River Hills Country Club in Valrico, Fla. where the Bulls raised a total of $25,000 for their program.

"Every year I am more amazed by the continued support from our loyal participants and the influx of new support from sponsors and golfers," said head coach Claire Lessinger.  "The committee, my staff, and especially my players invest in making the day exceptionally fun and enjoyable for everyone." 

With the largest field in history,  the tournament included 11 on-course challenges for each of the 34 foursomes to compete.

"This tournament has evolved into an amazing fundraising event for our program," said Lessinger. "What separates it from your average golf tournament is there is much more than just golf going on.  We had 11 on-course challenges all run by USF volleyball players, we had a raffle that consists of more than 100 prizes ranging from get-away weekends to Callaway golf clubs, and we provided two meals and entertainment."

Sponsorships included a $5, 000 Title Sponsor, two $2,500 Presenting Sponsors, a $2,000 Banquet Sponsor, two $1,000 Beverage Cart Sponsor, 11 $800 Specialty Hole Sponsor and a $500 Vendor Sponsor that were all filled. In addition, participants were able to sponsor a hole at $150, as the Bulls totaled 28 hole sponsors for the tournament.

All proceeds, including the $7,000 in cash that was collected the day of the event, will be placed into the USF Volleyball foundation account. These funds will be used to improve recruiting, equipment, travel and much more to further enhance the program.

"I truly appreciate everyone that participated this year, especially Monte Mahr and CSSI," said Lessinger.  "Monte's support is unbelievable, and this event would never be as successful as it is without him and his commitment to making it great."

Below is a list of testimonials from a few of the participants in the annual CSSI golf tournament.

"The reason USF has a FIRST class golf tournament with FIRST class people is because of the leadership and enthusiasm, which is very evident in the faces and smiles of the players and coaches! We really are the beneficiary of this long standing relationship and look forward to new ideas and more laughs and fun next year!" -- Bob Gaudreau, President Media Golf Productions, LLC - Portable Golf Solutions

"Every year, I receive glowing compliments on the golf tournament.  When our players leave, they leave with smiles on their faces, great food in their stomachs and perhaps a door prize or two under their arm.  For the next few months, every time our people talk to the players, the golf tournament always comes up and we always hear what a great time they had and they can't wait for next year.  It is a tribute to the dedication of the committee, the availability of the players and staff at the tournament and the enthusiasm of all our volunteers.  Control Systems Specialists, Inc., is proud and honored to be a part of this Golf Tournament." -- Monte Mahr, Control System Specialists, Inc., and Title Sponsor

"This was my 6th year playing in the tournament, and every year it gets better and better.  The thing that sets this tournament apart from all the other scrambles I play in during the year is the participation of the volleyball team.  There are so many tournaments that you never get to see where your money is going and who it is helping.  Having the ladies there interacting with the golfers gives the golfers a much better connection to the underlying reason for the tournament. The entire organization is out there.  From the administration, to the coaches, to the players, everyone participated and everyone had a great time.  I think the fact that many of that former players, that have long since graduated, come back to help out speaks volumes about their continued support of their alma mater.  I don't see that in the other fundraising tournaments I play in. My foursome is already looking forward to playing again next year!"  -- Dave Whigham, Whigham Law Group