Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 August 1999 — Page 18

WTgEl^DIANAPOygHjpUngl

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6,1999 ■ PAGE B6

«Mays

w Chen

Chemical Company

Douglass honors local legend during annual open

By BARATO BRITT his wife Barbara, who, legend has Staff Writer it, toughed it through the times when Wash’s love for the game Deeply embedded into the rich almost became a costly obsession, history of the Douglass Golf Course Said Douglass Pro Thaddeus lies the legend of the late Robert Gray; the honoring of Washington Washington. is one of several ways the commuArguably one of the sweetest nity can keep alive its rich history iron hitters of his day, “Wash,” as of Blacks in golf, he wash often called, was never a “If we're going to have a resurcourse pro or instructor, but his genceofgolf in the inner city, then spirit flows through Douglass’ fair- we have to show our people the ways as fluidly as Johnny Green history,” said Gray, who has made Sr. or George Roddy, two other it a priority to honor the local leglegends of the local golf commu- ends on their “home course.” “Here nity. was a guy that was willing to share Wash’s mannerisms were eerily everything he had known about the similar to those who dominate pro- game. He was a part of Douglass’ fessional play; laid back always, theme. We can’t forget that, but willing and able to dominate Because of Wash’s unassuming the field whenever necessary. demeanor, he will not be rememFor these reasons, and other in- bered for capturing title after title tangibles that go with most that as he easily could have. Ironically, have contributed to the course aes- Wash’s legend transcends any title thetic, Douglass will honor Wash- that c'omes with conquering the ington during this year’s Douglass course: his skills were all the valiOpen, set to convene September dation the community needed to 11. The park wi II honor him through honor his achievements.

According to Douglas* golfers, Robert L. Washington was one of the guys on the course that everyone got along with, as this 1979 photo indicates.

“Washington played the game at his best at a time where Blacks were unable to go to several courses,” Gray added. “But, more importantly. Wash was feared by many golfers, both white and Black. He was the best player around for a time.” But history tells us that, also for a time. Wash wasn’t even good enough to caddy for the local legends of his day. Had it not been for the tutelage of Green, one of Douglass’ most beloved pros and Paul Gross, then a pro at Sarah Shank, many of Washington’sJollowers say that Wash would not have been the dominant competitor he was. Green’s son, John Jr., said that had Wash and other golfers been able to play in the pro ranks, phenoms like Tiger Woods would not be so unreal today. Green, who grew up just across the street, caddied and olaved with Washington on several occasions before Washington suffered a stroke in 1979. Washington died in 1988, at age 59. “Tiger’s doing some phenomenal stuff right now, but if the guys from back then had the opportunity to do what Tiger’s doing, Tiger would have just been another spectacular athlete,” Green said. “(Wash.) was so far better than anyone, it was phenomenal. He could have easily gone pro, but he was not a trailblazer. He didn’t want to go through all of that.” Green recalled that, during the annual city championship in the early 1960s, a then brash Lee Elder came into the tournament (in which Washington did not play,) and dominated competition. One year, Wash told the 1963 Black Nationals professional he would play an-

other time. Wash not only played him; he dominated the round. And the rematch. But Elder was not alone. Pros like Wally Armstrong and Tony Welch all eventually fell victim to Wash’s incredible iron play. All the while, Washington let caddies, often aspiring golfers themselves, tag along and watch greatness in action. Forrest Jones was one of those lucky enough to caddy and play with Wash. Jones, the first African American to play for IU, helped the Hoosiers capture the Big 10 Championship in 1961. Said Jones, Wash’s lessons on the course helped him get through college, both socially and financially. “Wash was like a big uncle to all of the caddies,” said Jones, who also traveled as Washington ’ s playing partner around the Midwest. “He gave us everything but, he also kept his eye on us. He was just as good if not better than any pro. He was easily recognized around our community as the best player of that time.” But golf was not the only side of the legend. Washington, through golf, achieved highs often unattainable for Blacks of the time. An astute businessman. Wash opened up a car wash and Marathon gas station once he retired from the Post office. Golf, according to Jerome Boyd, was Wash’s to dominate; but for the local legend, golf was not all he excelled in. “As far as golf, he was just a whiz,” said Boyd, whose name also comes up often in old Douglass lore. “But what made Wash so fun was that he was a wonderful person. He got along with everybody, his manner was consistent.

“Wash,” as he was often called, was considered one of the beef iron strikers in the game during his prime in the 1960s. At one time, players would not even play with him because of his skill level.

“Honoring Wash is very significant,” Boyd added. “A lot of guys are just part of Douglass. Every time you’re out there you can feel it.” The honoring of Washington is one of several events Douglass is conducting this year in honor of African American achievement on the local golf scene. In October, Douglass and the Indiana Section of the PGA will honor George Roddy’s induction into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame. Roddy revolutionized the sport for Blacks in the SO’s and 60’s, as he was the first and only Black captain of a Big Ten golf team (Iowa) and an in-

structor and guide for students at Crispus Attucks High School. Additionally, with the help of Congresswoman Julia Carson, the park will be named a historical landmark, validating the achievements of the many Blacks who have been blessed to strike a drive down its hallowed fairways. For many, Douglass Golf Course’s history is deeply rooted in African American history itself. But for those that remember the legend of Robert Washington, his history and the history that is Douglass will remain intertwined forever.

Little League renews life, hope for OwenLittle League renews life, hope for Owen

By JAMES M. KEOUGH JR. Sports Writer There is little question that Indianapolis native Sharon Owen is a staunch supporter of the Midtown Little League. As team mom for the Monarchs, she plays a number of roles to help the children on the team participate and compete. However, she has a personal interest. Few people have the strength todiscover life from death. Few have the courage to embrace the future while remembering and honoring the past. For women in many of our communities, assuming a number of roles within the “traditional” family unit is commonplace. For Owen, this means playing the role of father as well as grandmother. Owen said her son Micheal Whitney, Sr was tragically shot to death in a dubious situation in-

volving dmgs 1990. According to Owen, his death was classified as being “accidental.” But she believes he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was 18 years old. However, Whitney’s legacy lives on. His legacy lives figuratively and literally. 10-year-old Michael Whitney Jr., is one of the best players on the Monarchs. He is also learning important things about life such as hard work, character and teamwork. Owen wouldn’t have it any other way. “Because my son isn’t here to fulfill his role as a father, I got involved in this league,” said Owen. “My grandson has gone through so much in his life. I really wanted to get involved in this because of my son.” Owen, along with other parents in the community and support from several local churches, sponsored

the First Annual Picnic/Banquet for the Monarchs held last week in a North side park. Sure, the Monarchs finished the season in first place with an 11-1 record. Sure, several players played a significant role in the team’s success and deserved recognition. The real moti vation for the event has even greater significance. “To let them know they are successfully working towards becoming better young men. They have made progress towards learning discipline, self esteem and self respect,” said Owen. “We also wanted to recognize the accomplishments and success of the team this year.” The Monarchs finished the season with the best record, but were beaten in the playoffs by the White Sox. The White Sox eventually lost in state competition. The Midtown Little League sponsors games at Wes Montgomery Park and the Indiana State Fair-

The young athletes of the 1999 Monarch Little League Baseball Team capped off another year with their 1st annual picnic and award banquet. The Monarchs finished the season 11-1 to finish the regular season on top. (Recorder photo by Curtis Guynn)

grounds. Kevin Wells is league president. It is one of the oldest African-American Little League programs in the city. The Monarchs enjoyed tremendous success this season based on a collective team effort. The standouts on the team comprised of boys ages 10-12, include Rayfis Weathers, DiJoun Sims, Mario Murphy and Whitney. The coaching staff included Ken Elcock, Bob Nelson. The Picnic/Banquet, a first of its kind, was made possible based on contributions from several religious organizations according to Owen. She identified Ebenezer Baptist Church, Grace Apostolic and Disciples of Christ as being major sponsors of the event. If Owen has anything to do with it, the Monarchs arexbound to emerge as winners. \ x Despite how many game's, they win or lose. \ Stay tuned.

Showdown Tiger Woods follows through on his tee shot on the second hole of his 18-hole match against David Duval at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Monday, Aug. 2, 1999. The $1.5 million “Showdown at Sherwood,” a oneround, match-play duel between the world’s two highest-ranked golfers, Is the first golf event televised live in prime time by a network. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)

Blaze Update

Blaze wilts in Heat, 1-0 Overtime loss to North Texas ends season CARROLLTON, TX - It’s Midnight, Cinderella. The Indiana BLAZE battled the W-League’s high-est-scoring team into overtime, but lost 1-0 On Bryn Blalack’s “golden goal” three minutes into overtime Sunday night at Polk Football Stadium in the first round of the W-2 Playoffs. “They’re a very good team,” said BLAZE Head Coach Marc Behringer. “Everybody should be proud of all we accomplished this year. It was a step forward for the organization, and hopefully we’ll be able to take this and move forward to the next step.” . Playing on a narrow field in temperatures approaching 100 degrees, the BLAZE hung tough, with GK Heather Combs making 8 saves to keep the Heat from scoring. In the third minute of overtime, the Heat’s Laura Snyder crossed to Blalack, who survived a scramble in front of the goal and poked home a loose ball to give the Heat the win and a spot in the W-2 Final Four in Springfield, MA this weekend. The BLAZE finished 8-5 including the playoffs and won the Midwest Division championship. MF Joy Aschenbrener finished second in league scoring with 28 points on 13 goals and 2 assists in 12 games.

IT ' L

• Ok ■N 1 . W

ME 1 !

*■ to .*•*

w j?

« N

A %

>; >: >:

Cosmo Knights host scholarship golf tourney

Coffin, Rivarsido and Douglass Golf Courses were the setting for this year’s annual Cosmo Knights Scholarship Golf Toumamsnt held recently. Lethenlus “Lenny” Irons, Junior/Amateur Tournament Director, lead the instructions prior to tee-off for the many youth that participated in the Junior Play at Douglass Golf Course. This year’s player’s included golf pros Mark Nance arid Doug Stewart “We ate excited about having so many participant In ota annual tournament” spoke William “Bo” Crain, board

chairperson of the Cosmo Knights Scholarship Fund, Inc.

... v Ar