Red Hawk Open in Full Swing for Students

More than 140 golfers helped raise over $150,000 for Montclair State University student athletes and programs at the 13th annual Red Hawk Open, held at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton on Sept. 29.

Attendees enjoyed a day on the course that included a BBQ lunch and dinner reception, along with exciting auction items, raffles and prizes. Silent auction items included a round of golf at Upper Montclair Country Club, tickets to a New Jersey Devils game, golf clubs and more.

“Each year, support from this event empowers Montclair’s student athletes and our Athletics program, and we are deeply grateful for our alumni, sponsors and friends for their generosity and partnership,” says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement.

Proceeds from the 2025 outing will support the University’s athletes by investing in enhancements to Montclair Athletics facilities, including Panzer Athletic Center, Sprague Field, Dioguardi Field, the Montclair State University Softball Stadium and Yogi Berra Stadium.

“We greatly appreciate the generous support that we receive from our alumni, friends and campus partners to enhance the student-athlete experience at Montclair,” says Rob Chesney, associate vice president for Athletics and Recreation and athletic director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

During the dinner portion, two student athletes shared the impact of their Montclair experience and thanked guests for their support.

Senior Rourke Peralta, a member of the women’s swim team, will be graduating in the spring with her K-6 teaching certificate, seven swimming records, and on track to get her master’s in Special Education at Montclair. “It’s easy to be great with the systems and community that Montclair has put in place for us, which have been made possible by all of you,” she said in thanking attendees.

A captain on the football team, senior Alex Buchwald is majoring in History and Education. “After I graduate in the spring I plan on becoming a history teacher and a football coach, and my goal is to help nurture the next generation to become leaders who are passionate about what they do and who they do it with and for,” he shared.

In his remarks, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell thanked attendees for their partnership in creating opportunities for Montclair students and for creating a strong community to support Montclair Athletics.

Committee and Sponsor Support

“Each of our sponsors along with the dedicated service of my fellow Red Hawk Open committee members and all the golfers who participated made this year’s outing a success,” says Anthony Carlino ’77, chair of the Montclair State University Foundation and who serves on the Red Hawk Open committee.

Red Hawk Open Committee:
Anthony Carlino ’77
Christopher Fitzpatrick ’04
Daniel Grant ‘05
Rob Lieberman
Brian Mieth
Judi Schumacher Tilton
Greg Shanaphy ’91
David Wertheim ’79

Premier Sponsor:
Academy Orthopaedics

Outing Sponsors:
Goldman Sachs
JRM Construction Management

Halfway House Sponsors:
Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages
Terminal Construction Corporation

Lunch Sponsors:
Inserra Supermarkets
Schumacher Chevrolet

Cart Sponsors:
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Carpenter Contractor Trust
Gourmet Dining
Murgado Automotive Group
Onpoint Powerwashing and Painting
PSEG

Longest Drive Sponsors:
Cougar Aquatic Team
LEAP Hockey
New York Life
Universal Electric Motor Service

Driving Range Sponsors:
Genova Burns
K&J Sports
Overlook Corporate Center
Taylor Law Group, LLC

Hole Sponsors:
Accordia
American Wear Uniforms
Michele and Keith Ansbacher
Buchanan
Cantone Press
Chris Fitzpatrick Speaks
ENV
Field Turf
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center
Icon International Inc.
Local Union 68 Operating Engineers
Kevin Neary ’86
PKF O’Connor Davies
Skylands Realty Partners
Take Me To The Water Swim School
TechFlex
Withum

View the photo album.

For more information about how you can support Montclair Athletics, please contact Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, director of Annual Giving, at 973-655-7492 or brennanka@montclair.edu.