Mike McKone of Warwick was a perfect 3-0 in match play in the 2013 Ressmeyer International Vision Cup in Columbus, Ga., last month. McKone was coached by former Rhode Islander and 3-time state amateur champion Marc St. Martin. The International team narrowly defeated team North America 13 1/2 – 12 1/2

The North American team was represented by 13 golfers from the US and Canada. The International team was comprised of 13 golfers from Italy, Japan, England, Austria, South Africa and South Korea, and the teams competed in the three-day event.

In the first match, McKone was paired with Greg Hooper from Atlanta, Ga., and they defeated John Eakin and Chris Evans, both from England, 2 up. McKone teamed with Jean Eaves from Quebec, Canada in the second round and they defeated Austrian Kurt Lirussi and Derrick Sheridan from England

2 and 1. The final day of competition produced 13 singles matches and McKone faced 2012 World Champion Kurt Lirussi 6 and 4, shooting 3-over par for 14 holes.

The United States Blind golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman. Today the organization conducts two regional tournaments and a national championship and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program. The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

The 2014 National Championship and blind/visually impaired youth golf clinic will be held in Rhode Island at Exeter Country Club August 17-19. To make the National Championship possible the organizing committee will need to raise more than $30,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals. The funds pay for the golfers green fees, lodging and meals.

The USBGA is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization and all contributions are fully tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to the USBGA and mailed to Mary Jane Popp, 3911 Dodson Chapel Road, Hermitage, Tenn. 37076. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the 2014 National Championship in Rhode Island contact Michael McKone at MichaelMcKone14@cox.net

Lead the Way announces winter field hockey programs

Lead the Way Field Hockey has announced the schedules for its winter programs. The organization is offering leagues for high school, middle school and youth players.

The high school program is designed to provide athletes the opportunity to improve their overall skills and participate in inter-squad tournament play. Weekly instruction will include individual ball control skills, passing and receiving, defense and tactical concepts. Each session will include 25-30 minutes of coached scrimmaging. Goalkeepers are encouraged to sign up. Two week sessions are offered, one at Durfee High School in Fall River, Mass., and the other at the Wheeler School Indoor Facility in Seekonk, Mass. They run from Jan. 5 through Feb. 23.

The middle school program for fifth to eighth graders is designed to improve overall skills and have players participate in small-sided game play. Programs are available for beginners to elite players.  Eight-week sessions run from Dec. 8 to Feb. 2 at three locations – Wheeler School, Durfee High School and the Carpe Diem Indoor Facility in Franklin, Mass.

The youth program is for third to fifth graders. The goal is to provide an opportunity to introduce field hockey in a fun and supportive environment. Programs are for the beginner to intermediate player and are offered seasonally throughout the year. Six-week sessions run from Jan. 6 to Feb. 10 at Wide World of Sports in North Kingstown. Another session goes from Jan. 28 to Mar. 4 at Wide World of Sports in North Smithfield.

Cummings named Player of the Week

Former Bishop Hendricken standout Kazre Cummings was selected as the Yankee Small College Conference Player of the Week as well as the USCAA D2 National Player of the Week for his performance last week, helping the Mustangs to a 2-0 record. During the week, Cummings averaged 17.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 6.5 steals.

In a dominating effort, Cummings recorded a triple-double versus UMaine-Augusta, with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 11 steals. The Mustangs also defeated rival NHTI during the week; Cummings finished that game with 14 points and 15 rebounds

On the season, Cummings is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds, and three steals per game. His efforts have been pivotal to the Mustangs 10-0 start, including a 5-0 record in the YSCC.