by TaLeiza Calloway – news@thenewsleaders.com
There’s no room for wimps or whining in disc golf.
At least that was the motto for the 21st annual St. Cloud Ice Bowl held Jan. 19 in St. Joseph’s Millstream Park. The event is about more than battling winter winds while throwing a flying disc. Sponsored by the St. Cloud Disc Golf Club, the disc golf tournament is part of a national fundraising effort to support local charities.
This year more than 100 people participated and raised more than $10,000, organizers said. Tournament Director Rick Rentz said these funds will benefit Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and the St. Joseph Food Shelf. In the last 15 years, the organization has raised more than $130,000 for local charities.
“It’s just a fun day,” Rentz said. “It’s about golf, friendship and camaraderie.”
Travis Mick is not fond of the cold weather. However, the St. Joseph resident is fond of disc golf and even qualified for the 1999 amateur world championships in Kansas City. He said he’s taken a break from competitive play and participates in a few local leagues.
“It’s a big party for the golfing community,” Mick said of the Ice Bowl. “We’ve done well (fundraising).”
Todd Grundhoefer of Sartell has been playing the sport since 1996. His wife’s cousin introduced him to it and he’s been playing ever since. He’s a lifetime member of the St. Cloud Disc Golf Club and helped bring a disc golf course to Northside Park in the city of Sartell years ago.
“I love it,” Grundhoefer said. “It’s for a good cause, it’s good camaraderie and it’s a fun time to spend.”
Both Mick and Grundhoefer were top fundraisers this year.
This was the 15th year Adam Gorres of St. Joseph played in the Ice Bowl. Also a member of the St. Cloud Disc Golf Association, he plays the sport year-round. He said it’s nice to play the sport with new people and catch up with those you haven’t seen for a while during the annual event.
This year’s event drew people from North Dakota, South Dakota, Austin, Minn., and the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. All unite for the cause of helping others. This unity is what the Ice Bowl is about.
“The main goal is raising money for the food shelf,” Rentz said. “It’s also about bringing people together.”
The St. Cloud Disc Golf Club organizes recreational play year-round. For more information about how to get involved, visit: www.stclouddiscgolfclub.com. All levels are welcome.
