26th Annual Batavia Basketball Alumni Golf Outing: Celebrating Community, History, and Bulldog Spirit

Coach Jim Roberts

The tradition continued this year as former Batavia basketball coach Jim Roberts hosted the 26th Annual Batavia Basketball Alumni Golf Outing. Bringing together alumni, former players from across the Fox Valley area, and dedicated supporters, the event proved once again that the Bulldog community runs deep across decades and miles.

Coach Jim Nazos with Babe Carlson (STC), Larry Lorenz (Geneva), Mike Manny (Geneva), and Buzz Carlson (St. Ed's)

Heavy Turnout and High Spirits

This year’s event saw a total of 224 golfers hit the links - 84 taking the course for the morning session and a full house of 140 for the afternoon session. Thanks to a slightly expanded morning field allowed by the course, turnout exceeded last year's numbers. Later in the evening, 80 guests gathered for the classic steak dinner to catch up, share stories, and celebrate.

Coach Roberts with Aurora policemen Reggie Walllls, Bill Powell, and Derek Smith

Despite heavy rainfall leading up to the event, the course staff worked incredible magic to ensure the grounds were ready for Friday’s play.

"We did not know until the Tuesday before whether or not we were going to be able to play golf," shared Coach Roberts. "The golf course staff did an amazing job getting the course prepared. They are always exceptionally generous and accommodating."

Steve Marshall, Mike Gaspari and friends

Decades of Support and Long-Distance Attendees

The tournament brought together generations of athletes. Representation spanned clear from the Class of 1959 up to the Class of 2024. Attendance was especially strong among alumni from the 1960s and 1970s, who continue to show unwavering support year after year.

Golfers traveled from all corners of the country to participate, including:

Tom Kivisto (East Aurora grad) – California
Dan Witt (Kaneland grad) – Texas
Kevin Fosse (St. Charles grad) – Colorado
Roger and Mike Johnsen (Batavia grads) - Florida

Penny Whiting, Cindy Manteufel, Sue Lusted

Special Milestone: Honoring the Class of 1966

A highlight of the day was the special recognition given to the senior grads from the 1966 basketball team, marking the 60th anniversary of their graduation.

This historic team finished with a remarkable 26–3 record and reached the sectional finals for the second consecutive year. Remarkably, three teammates (all from the Class of 1966) from this school of around 500 students went on to sign professional sports contracts:

Byron VonHoff – Played professional baseball for the New York Mets.
Dan Issel – NBA legend with the Denver Nuggets (and later head coach).
Ken Anderson – NFL star quarterback who led the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XVI in 1981.

Troy Tousana and Byron VonHoff

Coach Jim Roberts and Coach Jim Nazos

On the Course: Winners and Highlights

Competition was fierce across both sessions, culminating in a rare three-way tie for the Team Championship, with all three groups posting an impressive 13 under par:

Team 1: Larry Lorenz, Mike Manny, Buzz Carlson, and Babe Carlson (sons of legendary Batavia teacher, Mr. "Swede" Carlson).
Team 2: Steve Ideran, Jeff Roeske, and Ben Potter.
Team 3: Nate Nazos, Ben Vozza, and Brandon Bergeron.

Larry Guy and athletic director Mark Anderson

Individual Course Skill Contest Winners:

Longest Drive: Mark Johnson
Closest to the Pin: Larry Lorenz

Coach Roberts with Larry Lorenz

Raffle Supporters & Direct Impact

Thanks to local donors, participants bid on fantastic raffle prizes, including Cubs and White Sox tickets, Kane County Cougars tickets, fitness memberships from Delnor Health and Wellness Center, a foursome at Orchard Valley from the Aurora Park District, and Batavia basketball apparel donated by Coach Nazos.

Where do the proceeds go? All funds raised directly support travel expenses for the Batavia High School basketball program. The proceeds help cover costs for team trips to tournaments in places like Quincy and Moline - expenses that fall outside the standard school budget. These trips provide student-athletes invaluable opportunities to compete statewide and create lifelong memories.

Rudy Dubis, entering his 57th year announcing Batavia Basketball games

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on 26 years of bringing the community together, Coach Roberts summarized the spirit of the day:

"We concentrate on the present, remember the past, and look to the future. We're very fortunate to have the support and longevity that we've had. It's the people that make it what it is - the vast majority of people are just happy to see each other."

Mayor Jeff Schielke, George Scheetz, John Heath