Golfers, lend a hand to football players

POST FALLS — Even in death, Jeff Hinz is coaching players toward better futures.

The Post Falls High varsity football coach and teacher was only 45 when he died a year ago following a long battle with non-smoker’s lung cancer. He was an integral part of many students’, athletes’ and fellow teachers’ lives spanning his 22 years with Post Falls School District. Hinz missed only a handful of games and practices while going through treatments, and continued to teach until he was no longer well enough to do so. This year will be the first that a golf tournament will help raise funds for scholarships in his name.

The first Jeff Hinz Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament is happening Saturday, Aug. 5 at The Links Golf Club in Post Falls. The $1,000 scholarship competition is open to any local letter-winning high school football player who is admitted into an accredited university or college, and who maintains a 2.5 GPA. Applicants write an essay describing how playing football can help them transition into adult life. A panel then reviews the essays and grades them, with the essayist receiving the most points earning the scholarship.

Last spring the scholarship total was split between two candidates.

“Jeff was my teacher and coach in high school,” said Adam Shamion, event coordinator. “After college he gave me my first coaching job. He was my mentor and became my best friend. Because of the type of man he was and what he represented, I want to make sure his name continues.”

Sponsorship opportunities for the tournament include $100 to register as a golfer, $200 as a hole sponsor, and $500 for a foursome and hole sponsorship. Hole sponsorship includes a promotional sign that will be displayed at the hole.

“We need as many foursomes, hole sponsors and raffle items to raise these funds as possible,” said head coach Blaine Bennett. “Endowment is our ultimate goal so his (Hinz’s) name and this scholarship can continue every year. Of course endowment won’t happen this first year.”

Registration is at 7 a.m. Aug. 5, with a shotgun start at 8. Coordinators ask those interested call before the tournament so they can get a good head count for food planning. Morning coffee will be donated by Dutch Bros, with all tips being given to the scholarship fund. Lunch is being provided by Texas Roadhouse. It will be followed by a presentation of past scholarship recipients, and a live auction at the end of the tournament.

Coordinators are still looking for sponsors, volunteers, and donated items and services for a raffle and auction. Contact Adam Shamion at (208) 661-0830, or Blaine Bennett at (509) 859-3403.