Cary Classic draws strong field

    CARIBOU – The 25th annual Cary Classic Benefit Golf Tournament drew a strong field of more than 100 golfers from across Aroostook County and Western New Brunswick for two days of competitive play. Warm sunshine greeted golfers on day one of the event, but Sunday’s brisk winds saw golfers struggle to hold low scores. Herrick Hanson of New Brunswick came from behind to once again claim his perennial tournament championship with a two-day total of 149 five over par for the 36 holds of medal play. Hanson edged out Ralph Michaud who lead through day one of the event. Michaud had a 7 over par 151.
    Another familiar tournament champion, Betty Devoe claimed the women’s championship. Devoe, shooting a 161 over the two days, just squeaked out the win by one stroke over Lupita Albert who holed a chip off the green on hole number six. Devoe and Albert remained tied on the par three number seven, but Devoe birdied the par five number eight to take a one-stroke lead and hold on for the final hole.
    According to club pro Jeff Jose, the tournament was one of the most exciting over the 25 year history of the event.
    “This was very competitive play”, said Jose. “To have both the men’s and ladies’ winners decided by a total of three strokes; it doesn’t get any better than that.”
    Herrick Hansen, who won the men’s low gross division for the seventh time, said that he will be back again to defend his title.
    “I really didn’t come to this year’s event expecting to win, and Ralph really played some great golf. He had me on day one but struggled a little on day two and that opened the door for me.”
    The Cary Classic has always featured a ladies’ division. While the tournament has struggled at times to attract a high number of women golfers, this year was the highest turn out ever.
    “I just want to thank all the women who have supported this tournament.” said Betty Devoe, who claimed the ladies’ division one championship for the fourth time. “We are up to 19 ladies playing this year and I hope we can get over that number next year. This tournament is one of the best I play in, and it’s great to have such quality competition.”
    During a special moment at the tournament Mary Harrigan, executive director of the Jefferson Cary Foundation and coordinator of the tournament planning committee, recognized Jose for his efforts on behalf of the Cary Classic over near a quarter of a century. Harrigan presented a plaque outlining a plan to honor Jose and his family in the new ‘Center for Breast Health’ planned for Cary Medical Center. The plaque states that the $25,000 raised by this year’s tournament will be dedicated to Louise Jose who waged a courageous battle against breast cancer. Louise, who had participated in the Cary Classic before her illness, was a great supporter of women’s golf.
    “This tournament has been made so much easier with the help of Jeff Jose and his love for the game of golf,” said Harrigan. “We know that this recognition will honor Jeff and his family and particularly Louise on a permanent basis.”
    The 25th annual Cary Classic was sponsored by Time Warner Cable for the fourth year in a row.  According to Harrigan, Time Warner has made a substantial contribution to the growth of the tournament.
    “Time Warner Cable has really taken this tournament to another level,” said Harrigan.
    Pam Schapple, president of the Jefferson Cary Foundation board of directors and member of the tournament planning committee, said that nearly 100 businesses, individuals and organization contributed to this year’s event helping to generate more than $25,000 in proceeds.
    The tournament committee is already making plans for the 26th annual Cary Classic, which will be held again at the Caribou Country Club.
    2008 men’s top four by division follow.
    Gross score
    Division I: 1, Herrick Hanson 149; 2, Ralph Michaud 151; 3, Dana Worsted 154; 4, Steve Clark 154.
    Division II: 1, Mike Gagnon 162; 2, Brian Forbes 168; 3, Mark Barthelemy 168; 4, Shawn Anderson 169.
    Division III: 1, Rob Shuster, Jr. 173; 2, Dave Wilcox 173; 3, Gary St. Peter 175; 4, Dave Wyman 177.
    Division IV: 1, Robbie Irving 182; 2, Joel Mayne 186; 3, Josh Bell 188; 4, Dave Laflame 190.
    Net score
    Division I: 1, Tim Beldon 140; 2, Curt Anderson 141; 3, Jon Johnston 144; 4, Travis Beaulieu 145.
    Division II: 1, Marc Michaud 138; 2, Rick Hallowell 141; 3, Joe Sleeper 143; 4, Dan Hersey 143.
    Division III: 1, Lou Lorenzo 139; 2, Terry Hopkins 141; 3, Chuck Huntoon 147; 4, Dave Whitmore 147.
    Division IV: 1, Dennis Anderson 131; 2, Jeremy Raymond 138; 3, Alton Hartt 138; 4, Grayden Ouellette 140.
    2008 women’s top four by division follow.
    Gross score
    Division I: 1, Betty Deveau 161; 2, Lupita Albert 162; 3, Verna Johnston 171; 4, Bern Michaud 182.
    Division II: 1, Judy Dombroski 185; 2, Jessie Thompson 189; 3, Jane Hunter 196; 4, Janice Beaulieu 201.
    Net score
    Division I: 1, Emily Jose 135; 2, Vi Kemp 140; 3, Dorina Martin 145; 4, Jen Jose 157.
    Division II: 1, Mary Lee Anderson 144; 2, Bernadette Opthof 144; 3, Dottie Fitzgerald 144; 4, Kris Doody 148.