Wooster's golf teams presented one of their Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program bags to Chris Runkle on Wednesday night prior to the men's basketball game.

On Wednesday, The College of Wooster men's and women's golf teams presented Chris Runkle, mother of the late 1st Lt. John M. Runkle, Jr. of West Salem, Ohio with a PING bag with Runkle's name and rank on it as part of the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program.

Throughout the past year, the Fighting Scots' golf teams carried two tribute golf bags during tournament play in honor of Runkle, and other members of the armed forces who have fallen or been severely injured serving our country. The team also raised funds for the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program at several varsity athletic contests.

"I am so happy the men's and women's golf teams decided to support the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program," said senior Mallorey Stack. "Listening to Mrs. Runkle speak about John has been a very emotional and powerful experience because you really get a sense of who John was, a man of great character. We weren't just carrying a bag to honor and recognize Lt. Runkle's sacrifice, but we carried the bag to honor and recognize all the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom."

"It has truly been an honor to meet Mrs. Runkle and learn about John's story," added sophomore Andrew DeLaat. "Lt. Runkle is an American hero who gave his life for the freedoms we have each day. The Runkles' story is heartbreaking, but it teaches us to realize how much we rely on the sacrifices of others and how blessed we are to live in this country. I will never forget how I felt carrying a bag dedicated to John in one of our tournaments. His story is one I will carry with me and remember for the rest of my life."

Runkle, a highly-decorated U.S. Army Ranger, was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 26, 2011.

The Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program is an awareness and fundraising initiative supported by both the Golf Coaches Association of American and the Women's Golf Coach Association.

Wooster's second bag is displayed in the Bob Nye Varsity Golf Training Room.