Schaffer 'humbled' by Heritage Park honor

NORWALK — Mark Schaffer looked out at a lot of smiling faces on July 20. At his Heritage Park enshrinement ceremony at the Eagle Creek golf course, Schaffer was able to reflect on the forethought and belief that he could do something great for the people of Norwalk. In 1992, that led to his abandoning the thought of turning the recently-purchased farm ground into what is now the Eagle Creek subdivision and ground that eventually became a five-star golf course. There was little wonder Schaffer received a standing ovation at the wall of fame ceremony. Most of those attending the ceremony were either home owners in the subdivision or golfers who knew just how special this layout truly is. "This is a big deal for me, standing up here," Schaffer said. "This is humbling. After all, I am just a farm guy who a number of years ago tried to do something nice for the community. "It turned out great, and not because of me, but rather because of the guidance of people like Bob Bleile, his son, Ken — and Gary Wilkins." Schaffer closed by saying, "And there will probably be chances like this available in the future. Let's hope those most fortunate will seize the opportunity and make something like this happen again." Wilkins, long-since retired from the pro shop, fondly recalled the day Schaffer came to him with the idea of either building a nine-hole course on the Langjahr property, or selling the farm ground to the Elks Club. "I was never happier in my life," Wilkins said. "It was our only shot at making it an 18-hole course. I immediately got ahold of one of my mentors, Bob Bleile, seeking his advice. After long negotiations, everything fell into place." Heritage Park committee member Bill Terry opened the ceremony by reminding the 80 golfers that they would be the first to play a 5-star course that overnight was turned into an 18-hole, par 3 layout. Wilkins also introduced Heritage Park members who were present as well as those who had representatives on hand for the ceremony. He also named the regulars at The Creek who passed away since the last ceremony. After Laura Wheeler, representing the Elk's Club, spoke in behalf of the membership, Wilkins talked about the 2014 cart barn fire. The blaze destroyed the facility and 75 golf carts. With the help of people like Schaffer, who had the equipment available to assist in the overhaul of the fire scene, pro shop personnel Dave Weisenberger and David Morgan, they quickly made the course playable — and even had carts trucked in for use by noon the next day. "It is the action of people like Mark Schaffer who makes things happen and many times without being asked," Wilkins said. "He moved his heavy construction equipment on scene and was moving ground as soon as the weather broke in 1993. "We were so fortunate to have a firm like that just down the road, and say nothing of the seeding capabilities of Lake Erie Construction. This was destined to become a great golf course because of the Bleile's, and a property owner who gave up his corn field for a sport he would never play." A plaque commemorating that fire now graces one of the Heritage Park walls. The premier prize of the 18-hole event went to the winning team — a permanent plaque on the Heritage Wall with their names inscribed. That team was composed of Trey Hallock, Chase Hicks, Dan Beatty and Jeff Thomas. Golf bag tags were also presented the foursome. Those four may have gotten their names "up in lights," but no one was prouder of a single shot than Landon Bennett. He aced the third hole. There were a number of other honored for scoring totals, including the women's scoring champion, Nancy Bleile. She posted a 59. On the men's side, it was Mel Holida with a 52. There also many hole-prize winners. Bleile won again for her long putt on 10. Beatty doubled up for his long putt on 16. Other winners for putting prowess included Polly Anich, Dave Weisenberger, Craig Meyer and Drew Biro. But when it came to putting against the field, the putting contest win went to Kilee Duncan. The lone closest-to-the-pin prize went to Jeff Thomas for his tee ball on No. 12. The field included a rarity, four brothers playing on a team for the first time. The Wheeler boys, who originated on Lais Rd., Steve, 65, Randy, 64, Charley, 57, and Ben 48, gave it a shot. They did not win, but it was a competitive 2.5 hours. Ben is back in golf design, He sought that career out of college and left it for a time. But when one of the leading global golf course design firms, Fry/Straka, came calling a couple years ago, he answered. Ben now holds the title of Design Associate working on golf course plans both in the U.S. and Asia. Beveridge, Roth earn pay at Barrington AURORA — Tyler Beveridge and Dustin Roth — golf pro's at Eagle Creek — claimed the final paying spot at the Northern Ohio Section PGA event on July 22 at Barrington Golf Club. The pair finished three under par, which was good enough for a check of $416.67. The format for the midsummer Pro/Pro event was unique. The players used a scramble format over the first six holes, Better Ball from holes 7-12 — then Chapman, which is alternate shot on both balls, on the final six holes. The winners from Pepper Pike fired an unrealistic 13-under score. Their card showed three eagles and seven birdies. They picked up $1,600. Meanwhile, the two junior lady players who play regularly on the junior tour, ages 16-19, played Columbia Hills on July 22. Norwalk's Kilee Duncan finished sixth with a 96. Milan's Teagan Miller was 13th with a 104. The two also played at Erie Shores in Madison on July 11. Duncan finished eighth with an 87 and Miller was 11th with a 96.