Steve Ramirez remembers what it was like to be a student-athlete at Madera High School, as well at Fresno City College and Sacramento State.
For that reason, Ramirez and his company P. Steve Ramirez Vocational Services is hosting its first golf tournament on Oct. 22 at the Madera Golf and Country Club at 8 a.m. to provide scholarships to student-athletes at Madera, Madera South and Matilda Torres high schools.
“I wasn’t strong academically,” Ramirez said. “I know what some of those kids have to deal with. I went to school, went to practice and then did my work. I had other factors in the way. There are still those kids out there. Kids that have similar struggles need help to continue their education.”
Cost for the tournament is $125 or $400 for a foursome. There will be tee sponsorships available with contests for closest to the pin, putting and longest drive.
All proceeds will go towards sponsorships to student-athletes at Madera and Madera South high schools to continue their education. Proceeds will also benefit the Matilda Torres athletic department since they won’t have a graduating class this year.
To register for the golf tournament or to sponsor, contact Adam Ramirez at 554-9709.
After the trials and tribulations Steven Ramirez has gone through, he doesn’t forget where he started — in Madera.
“Now that I’ve been blessed with my practice, I don’t forget where I’m from and want to give back,” he said. “We want to have a full house and pick up those student athletes. As an athlete, I was so close to my degree that I was able to finish. We want to inspire that kid to give them an extra push for their education. We want to make this a regular event where we can raise enough to give two scholarships to each school.”
He currently has 24 teams, but spots are filling up in the B-groups.
There will also be information tables as well as vendors. There will also be a raffle for new clubs and other items.
“We will have someone out there with an assessment to check your swing,” Ramirez said. “We have some drivers and putters to give away with raffle prizes.”
Breakfast and lunch will be provided and a costume contest will be held after golf.
“We’re hoping to make this an annual thing,” Ramirez said. “There’s a lot of kids that need help.”
Ramirez was a Pitcher of the Year at Fresno City College after graduating from Madera High School. He went to Sacramento State to play baseball, but his senior season was cut short.
“I finished bachelors at Fresno Pacific and a masters from Fresno State,” he said. “I don’t forget where I’ve come and how hard it took to get here.”