James Snyder didn’t quite know what to expect.

The former Rough Riders basketball standout and current varsity assistant coach entered the 14th annual Rough Rider Golf Tournament Sunday in a foursome with a close friend and two other golfers whom he was golfing with for the first time.

It proved to be enough, though, for Snyder and his teammates to capture the team title with a 15-under. He teamed with Mike Dudes, and John and Brandon Haydt for the winning foursome.

Snyder admittedly isn’t your typical weekend golfer. He has previously golfed with Dudes, who was his roommate at Kutztown University.

“I’m no golfer,” he stated. “The other three guys are. Last year, I played a lot with the pandemic, but I usually golf eight to 10 times a year.

“These other guys and my buddies are golfing every week, and watching YouTube videos about it.”

Snyder noted the group parred the first hole and birdied 15 of 18 holes in the best-ball tournament.

“We complemented each other very well,” stressed Snyder, who participated in the tournament for the third time. It just seemed meant to be.

“But those guys made the shots. I was the Draymond Green to the others who were Stephy Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson.”

The team of Ben Hammel, Josh Case, Zachary Koller, and Chris LItzenberger was runner-up at 12-under.

Others who were recognized for closest to the pin were Jake Birk, #2, five feet; Dave Roehler, #10, 15 feet; Phil Hall, #13, 4-foot, 11 inches; and Dave Coy, #18, four feet.

The longest drive went to Sean Sweeney on hole 12, and the putting contest winners were Christine Coy, Emily Dweck and Andy Lechman. The Pot of Gold was awarded to Ed Seidick and Ray Gallo.

Roughies’ athletic director Tom Moll was pleased with the overall day, as the tournament was a complete sellout with a field of 144 golfers. He stated the tournament raised over $7,000 for the Catasauqua High School Booster Club.

“I would like to thank the golfers, hole sponsors, and the many individuals and businesses who made donations for this year’s tournament,” said Moll.

He also praised Heather and Jonathan Reed, Jennifer Warren, Mookie Moll, Marisa and Braden Bartholomew, Ashlee Brosky, and Eric Snyder for their volunteer efforts.

“This year’s tournament was the most successful tournament we have ever had, and we are already looking forward to next year’s tournament.”

Results Recap

Champions- John Haydt, Brandon Haydt, James Snyder and Mike Dudes (-15)

Runners-Up- Ben Hammel, Josh Case, Zachary Koller and Chris Litzenberger (-12)

Closest to the Pin (# 2)- Jake Birk (5’0”)

Closest to the Pin (# 10)- Dave Roehler (15’0”)

Closest to the Pin (# 13)- Phil Hall (4’11”)

Closest to the Pin (# 18)- Dave Coy (4’0”)

Longest Drive (# 12)- Sean Sweeney

Putting Contest- Christine Coy, Emily Dweck and Andy Lechman

Pot of Gold- Ed Seidick and Ray Gallo