Wooster Golf Teams Honor Veterans By Participating in Folds of Honor Military Tribute

On this Veteran's Day, The College of Wooster men's and women's golf teams are proud to announce their participation in the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program, an awareness and fund-raising initiative supported by both the Golf Coaches Association of America and the Women's Golf Coach Association.

The program provides an annual opportunity for any collegiate golf program to honor a fallen or severely wounded American solider by having a team member carry a golf bag displaying the name, rank, and branch of service of the solider being honored during the school year.

The Wooster program reached out locally to the family of the late 1st Lt. John M. Runkle, Jr. of West Salem, Ohio, and they were honored to learn of this support. In fact, John's mother, Chris Runkle, spoke to the Fighting Scots recently about her son, a highly-decorated U.S. Army Ranger who was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 26, 2011, and the teams gained a greater appreciation for their tribute.

"I didn't realize how impactful it would be to meet with Mrs. Runkle," said junior Emily Howerton. "The true loss she felt resonated with me, but it was counteracted by the pride in her voice as she talked about John and his accomplishments. We go about our daily lives, rarely giving a thought to the costs of freedom. Thanks to John and many more for everything they give and have given for our country. It is truly an honor to carry a bag in John's name."

"Meeting Mrs. Runkle and listening to her speak about her son, John, was a very emotional experience," added senior Marcus Carano. "It is clear that Lt. Runkle was a man of great character and strength. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for those he loved and for his country. I am humbled to have the opportunity to honor Lt. Runkle this season. I hope that in carrying his bag, I am able to imitate Lt. Runkle's outstanding character and integrity, not only on the course, but in all aspects of life."

A select member from each Wooster team will carry his/her clubs in a PING bag with Runkle's name on it at every tournament this coming spring, and in addition, the Scots will be raising money to donate to the Folds of Honor program. At the end of the spring season, one bag will be given to the Runkle family and the other will be auctioned off, and the teams will be accepting donations at this Saturday's home football game and at select home basketball games throughout the winter.