Saint Viator alumnus wins Million Dollar Classic for third time

Posted July 23, 2013 1:40 pm

Submitted by Saint Viator High School

Barry Carlson, third from left, has won Saint Viators Million Dollar Classic three times with his foursomes. Courtesy of Saint Viator School

Every year, Barry Carlson of Schaumburg reserves the third Monday in June for Saint Viator’s Million Dollar Classic golf outing.

For the third time, that dedication has paid off. Carlson and his foursome won the outing, which was held this year at the Biltmore Country Club in North Barrington.

“It’s always a classy, well-run event, and it’s just fun to play at a private club,” said Carlson, who graduated from Saint Viator in 1968 and is president of Carlson Electronic Sales in Elk Grove Village. “It reflects well on the school and is just a purposeful event.”

His winning foursome also included Scott Beck, Matt Kelsch and Dave Berggren.

In second place: Richard Steineke, Keith Miller, Jim Lapetina and Ted Scislowski.

Alumni had a strong presence in third place: Jim Vandenbergh ’67 and John Vandenbergh ’70 and Erik Vandenbergh ’99.

The Million Dollar Classic was created specifically as a premier golf fundraising event to support Saint Viator’s athletic programs.

This year’s proceeds in particular will help with the purchase of a new van to transport student athletes and coaches to their competitions. Sean Esterquest, Class of 2014, created a video to illustrate what life would be like without a new Saint Viator van.

In recent years, the outing has raised money to hire full-time strength and conditioning coach, Matt Saey, to give students a more effective fitness program and to enhance the Murphy Wellness Center for the growing athletic community.

Senior Andrew Hansen of Arlington Heights spoke to the crowd of golfers and their guests at dinner. Hansen was co-captain of last year’s football team, which made it to the first round of the playoffs.

“Praying with my team, playing football, lifting in the weight room and making lasting memories with my teammates has defined my athletic experience at Saint Viator,” said Hansen.

Students were present at every hole. In one contest, guests were challenged to out-drive members of Saint Viator’s golf team. One hole featured a blackjack table. Another held a rum tasting. The cigars were complimentary.

After dinner, golfers bid on auction items that included a round at four different country clubs, a skybox to watch the champion Blackhawks play toward victory and a photo safari trip to South Africa.

“This event started with a dedicated group of Saint Viator supporters looking to design a first-class event that would raise significant funds for the school’s athletic department,” said Mary Maher, executive director of the office of institutional advancement at Saint Viator. “We are fortunate to have such a committed group of donors, dedicated to the school, and more importantly to the overall health and well-being of our students.”

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One team preferred to play as an elevensome at the Saint Viator Million Dollar Golf Classic. Courtesy of Saint Viator School

Saint Viator supporters Dan Murphy, Bill Senchuk and Nat Caputo never miss an outing. Courtesy of Saint Viator School

Some of the holes at the Saint Viator Million Dollar Golf Classic had added attractions like this blackjack table. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

Sue Vandenbergh learns who won the Mega Raffle. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

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