Golf tournament raises money for West Port football

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Posted July 5, 2021 | By Joel Bronson, joel@ocalagazette.com

Former NFL players from Marion County came out to support West Port High School Football during a golf tournament recently.

Former players included former Minnesota Vikings Dante Culpepper and former New Orleans Saint Steve Rhem, who is also the Wolf Pack’s current head coach.

The tournament was organized by the Pack Football Club, the booster club arm of the West Port High football program, and was held at Candler Hills Golf Course on June 26th.

Ginger Cruze, principal at West Port, shared her appreciation for everyone who helped make the event a success.

“(Booster Club Member) Amanda Tice and the booster club did an excellent job of putting together the tournament,” Cruze said. “Our coaches and players were also involved making this a great event. I appreciate our Booster Club’s support of our student-athletes.”

Steve Rhem, head football coach for the Wolf Pack, expressed his gratitude to supporters, who raised money to help the team purchase critical equipment such as new football helmets and COVID-19 safe training equipment.

“The support of our youth safety is critical to having a successful and healthy team,” Rhem said. “Thank you, Marion County, for being the leader and generous supporter that you are.”

Rhem played his high school football at Vanguard High School. He also played professionally for the New Orleans Saints as a wide receiver in 1994-95.

Culpepper is also a Vanguard High School alum. He went on to play quarterback for the UCF Knights before being drafted by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. He finished his professional career with 149 touchdown passes and 24,153 passing yards.

The tournament raised $7,000 towards the purchase of the team’s new equipment.

Rhem is entering his second season as the Wolf Pack’s head coach. The team finished 5-3 in 2020.

West Port opens the 2021 football season against Jesuit on Aug. 27.