July 26, 2010

Lake Geneva, Wis. - Nearly 40 former Marquette University men's basketball players participated Monday afternoon in a golf outing in support of the Nicole Ellis Foundation, hosted by Bo Ellis at Hawks View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, Wis.

Some of the biggest names in program history were on hand for the third-annual event, including Dean "The Dream" Meminger, George Thompson, Jim Boylan, Tony Smith and Rob Logterman. Event proceeds benefitted the American Liver Foundation and the Marquette Ethnic Alumni Association.

"With the support of Marquette, the Milwaukee and Chicago communities and the American Liver Foundation we feel very good about the direction of the event," Ellis said. "When you lose your child, it's events like this that make the adjustment a little easier."

Nearly 150 golfers took to the course for a shotgun start at Noon and the day's activities also included a live and silent auction and dinner program hosted by Steve "The Homer" True.

Ron Curry (1990-93), who ranks among MU's all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding, was confident in his group's ability on the course.

"We won it the first year and came in second last year," Curry said. "I am bringing in a ringer to help today, so I expect us to be in the mix for the title."

Curry currently resides in Madison and has been in medical sales since his professional basketball career concluded, but will soon be moving to Phoenix to pursue business opportunities.

"Marquette's always been a family atmosphere when it comes to the players," Curry said. "You might not talk to a guy for a couple of years, but then you get together and it's like we just talked yesterday."

Meminger's return to the greater Milwaukee area was the first in approximately 15 years and his stay will include a visit to see MU legend Hank Raymonds.

This list of former players (not already mentioned) participating golf included: Blanton Simmons, Bob Piercy, Dean Marquardt, Anthony Pieper, Mike Flory, Jim McIlvaine, Tony Smith, John Wolf, Marcus Washington, Roney Eford, Dave Delsman, Greg Shimon, Joe Thomas, Robert Byrd, Dick Nixon, Jerry Homan, Randy Buchman, Gary Grzesk and Joe Nethen.