Golfers help football in Outlaw Open

Eighty-four players participated in the 15th annual Outlaw Open golf tournament last Friday at Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

The tournament generates funding to support football in Sisters from sixth grade through high school. Traditionally, some other athletic programs also share in the proceeds. This year the programs included girls' basketball, lacrosse and equestrian.

Approximately $14,000 was raised from the golf tournament and a silent and verbal auction.

Gary Hedin, dean of students at the high school, particularly wanted to thank the Cyrus family at Aspen Lakes for their longtime support, and all of the sponsors "that have always been there."

Hedin said no one won a pickup truck as a prize for a hole-in-one on number eight, but ex-NFL great Dan Fouts came close, with a shot only 18 inches away from dropping in the hole.

The winning foursome with a score of 10 under par, or 62, were: Larry Benson, Brandon Benson, Grant Eastbergies and Ron Fisper. The team received four rounds of golf at Black Butte Ranch.

Ken Ruettgers, an assistant football coach for the Outlaws high school team and a former Green Bay Packer lineman, participated in the tournament.

"We love this event. It's a great day to play golf and raise money for helmets and uniforms," he said.

Ruettgers has been helping with the football program for 10 years. He played college ball at the University of Southern California and was a first-round draft pick by the Packers. He played from 1985 to 1996 in 156 games, mostly as a starter.