NATCHITOCHES – The 36th annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, April 28 at Northwestern Hills, continuing the tradition of honoring the memory of an accomplished NSU student-athlete. Proceeds from the tournament fund two scholarships that provide $1,500 per semester for two students majoring in Health and Human Performance.
Roper was a native of Camden, Arkansas. As a senior at NSU, he was a top golfer on the 1981 Demon Squad and a member of the Trans-American All-Conference team, placing ninth at the league tournament. He lost his life a traffic accident over Christmas break in 1982.
The annual tournament has for years been a time for Chris’s parents, Rick and Mary Roper, to gather with friends to honor their son.
“One really neat thing is that all four of Chris’s roommates will come back every year,” Mary Roper said. “It’s been like a reunion for everybody.”
The weekend will begin with a kick-off party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Antoon’s Patio on the By-Pass. Saturday’s events will begin with check-in at 8 a.m. and tee-off at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided following the awards at the Rec Complex.
Participants staying the weekend are encouraged to make reservations at Comfort Suites at I-49 where special rates are available for those checking in for the Chris Roper Tournament. Early reservations are recommended.
Entry for the four-person scramble is $75 per player, which includes cart, lunch, beverages and green fees. Sponsorships are available at the $500, $250 and $50 levels. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place teams, as well as for Closest to the Hole and Longest Drive.
“This has been a special event that for years has brought old friends together to celebrate Chris’s life doing something that he loved,” said NSU Development Officer Jill Bankston. “We look forward to another outstanding tournament weekend.”
For information on the tournament or to register, contact Hall Adams at (318) 357-6300 or adamsh@nsula.edu.
