Teeing Up Opportunities for Local Youth

The annual Opie-Cox golf tournament took place at Dominion Meadows this weekend, with proceeds going towards the Opie-Coxie fund, started in remembrance of John Ochs and Steve Cox, and founded by Camie Ochs, John’s wife.

Officials at Dominion Meadows said they help to promote the event. “Once we know what day and time, and what the fees are going to be, we send it out through our database,” said Justin Hite, the head golf professional at Dominion Meadows.

“We have around 3,000 emails that it gets blasted through, so that’s how we’ve had such good success with their turnout.” The tournament had between four and five players on each team with a total of 33 teams. Hite said the first place won with a score of 56 and consisted of Linda Cox, Dave Junker, Jason Cox, Casey Cox, and Tiarra Cox.

According to Ochs, the Opie-Coxie fund is set to support children and juniors all across Stevens County and has been going on for the past 18 years. From donations gifted to them by larger companies in Washington, to the money raised from the golf tournaments, the Opie-Coxie foundation sup- ports children’s athletics, clubs, sports, academics, and anything else that children may need.

“We’ve done a lot for families,” said Ochs. “We buy ASB (As- sociated Student Body) cards and buy athletic equipment for families in need.” This year, the event raised over $25,000. Ochs said she appreciates the support the fundraiser receives each year, adding that she was “amazed at the large number of golfers.” Hite said, “It’s a happy day because they help a lot of kids…but on the other hand, it also reminds you of two good guys that passed away.

That’s my favorite thing is just seeing people happy to be here to play golf.” He also said that there will be a junior golf camp at Dominion Meadows, funded with the help of the Opie-Coxie foundation, from July 22-24.