EWC Foundation Golf Tournament Draws 34 Teams, Raises Increased Sponsorship Support

TORRINGTON, Wyo. – The Eastern Wyoming College Foundation’s annual Golf Tournament brought together 34 teams Aug. 21-22 at Cottonwood Golf Course in Torrington, providing a weekend of golf, fellowship and support for Eastern Wyoming College.

“The EWC Foundation Golf Tournament is such a great example of what happens when our college and community come together to support students,” EWC Foundation Board Member and Golf Tournament Co-Chairman Cactus Covello said.

The two-day event began Friday evening with a steak dinner for participating golfers, followed by the annual golf ball drop. Golf balls were released from a drone over a designated target, with prizes awarded to the balls landing closest to the target.

Jim Willox won first place in the golf ball drop, followed by Brittney Anger in second, Terry Nighswonger in third, Janice Atkins in fourth, Shawn Allen in fifth, Rod Weyrich in sixth, Trenton Vonburg in seventh and Janice Atkins in eighth. Rick Vonburg won the Furthest Away prize.

“We are proud to support the EWC golf team, which has a strong tradition of regional success, and even more proud to invest in college athletes and the opportunities that come from their participation,” EWC Foundation Director Lisa Johnson said. “The event gives our EWC golfers an opportunity to give back, meet community supporters and be ambassadors for the college.”

The tournament continued Saturday at Cottonwood Golf Course with a shotgun start. The 34 teams competed in a four-person scramble, with Denton Shaw, Erik Eddington, Allie Eddington and Jamie Wilson taking the title as Tournament Champions.

UL Riley, Rick Cook, Willie Unverzagt and Joe Holtzclaw finished second, followed by Whit Peterson, Gerald Wilmoth, Ryan Krul and Dirk Harris in third. Terry Lofink, Blake Lofink, Braden Lofink and Robert Quijas finished fourth.

Rounding out the top eight were Janice Atkins, Les Neva, Alan Doll and Cactus Covello in fifth; Quinn Hunter, Miles Daily, Kyle Kilty and Mark Stratton in sixth; Gregg Hoppal, Robbie Edmunds, Lisa Richardson and Matt Mattlock in seventh; and Merrit Bunker, Cam Boughton, Riley Wright and Kurtis Wilson in eighth.

Several golfers also took home prizes in the tournament’s individual hole contests. Ken Betchert won the Longest Putt and an EWC cooler. Joe Holtzclaw won the Men’s Most Accurate Drive and $40 in Pro Shop credit, while Nicole Lane won the Women’s Most Accurate Drive and a $40 EWC Cosmetology gift card.

Jessica Londono won the Women’s Closest to the Pin and $40 in Pro Shop credit, while Rick Stapleton won Closest to the Pin and an EWC cooler. Kyle Cotton won Longest Drive in Fairway and $40 in Pro Shop credit. Tytan Birchell won the Men’s Longest Drive in the Fairway and an EWC cooler, while Kasey Powell won the Women’s Longest Drive in Fairway and an EWC cooler.

Michael Schuler’s team won the Longest Team Putt, receiving four $25 EWC Bookstore gift cards. Robbie Edmunds’ team won Closest to the Pin — Second Shot and received EWC hats. Lucas Moore won the Men’s Closest to the Pin and $40 in Pro Shop credit.

Sponsorship support for the tournament increased significantly this year. The 2026 tournament had 67 sponsors contributing $21,250, compared with $13,800 from sponsors in 2025.

“We saw a significant increase in sponsorships this year, and with beautiful weather, it was a fantastic day on the course. It’s especially rewarding to see longtime supporters return year after year while also welcoming new faces to the tournament,” Covello said.

“The community helped us raise $35,000,” Johnson added.

The EWC Foundation extends its appreciation to all of the golfers, sponsors, volunteers and community members who helped make the 2026 tournament a success.

Next up for the Foundation is its annual Golf Outing at The Golf Club at Devils Tower on Monday, Oct. 5. For information on becoming a sponsor or registering for the event, contact EWC Foundation Alumni and Communications Coordinator, Jenna Krul at 307-532-8304.