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Stephen Curry’s Influence at the River Run Collegiate

by | Sep 22, 2022 | Local, News, Sports

Gregory Odom Jr. teeing off at the par-5 18th hole in the final round of the River Run Collegiate.

 

Earlier this week, the Davidson Wildcats hosted the River Run Collegiate golf tournament. And while recent Davidson graduate Stephen Curry didn’t make a surprise appearance at the event, his presence was unmistakable – but perhaps in a way you might not expect.

The Davidson golfers – like all Davidson athletes – were wearing Under Armour gear. However, another team in the competition was wearing Curry gear. The distinctive Curry “3” logo jumped off the shirts of the Howard University Bisons.

Howard University golfers (L-R): Hugo Garcia, Joshua Siplin, Gregory Odom Jr., Marcus Smith, and Everett Whiten Jr.

Curry’s partnership with Howard began in 2019, and the school’s press release described it as follows:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 19, 2019)— In a historic stride forward to grow the game of golf, six-time NBA All-Star and Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation co-founder, Stephen Curry, announced his commitment to Howard University today, with a pledge to support the establishment of the university’s first NCAA Division 1 golf program for the next six years.

Inspired by Howard senior and golfer, Otis Ferguson IV, whom Curry met during a campus visit earlier this year, Curry was compelled to act when Ferguson shared that his impassioned solo crusade to get a golf team at Howard proved unsuccessful. An avid golfer himself, Curry tapped into what is increasingly becoming his defining trait— the distinctive ability to connect and empathize with anyone, anywhere, and made the unprecedented decision to help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. Utilizing his unique position, Curry will introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black college, furthermore calling on sport and community giants like Under Armour, Callaway, Eat. Learn. Play., among others, for help with equipment, uniforms, and more.

“Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful,” said the NBA star. Adding, “It’s a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don’t have a fair shot at the game, it’s tough. I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building their first men’s and women’s golf teams with them.”

Howard University aims to debut the first men’s and women’s golf teams in the 2020/2021 academic year, with resources strategically allocated for talent scouting and training to have a competitive Division 1 team in place for its inaugural season, joining Howard’s other 19 Division 1 teams. The university previously had a Division 2 golf team and various intercollegiate and intramural club teams.

Odom at Howard University Director of Golf Sam Puryear.

“Howard University is honored to partner with NBA Champion Stephen Curry to launch what is sure to become one of the best golf programs in the country,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “This program will expose the campus to a game with numerous benefits. Golf is unique because it can be played through various ages of life. Grandfathers can play with granddaughters. Expanding the competitive opportunities for student athletes, especially in arenas where they are underrepresented, is consistent with the university’s strategic plan.”

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That partnership began three years ago, and on Tuesday Howard University golfer Gregory Odom Jr. won the River Run Collegiate. Congratulations to Mr. Odom and the entire Bison golf team.

The Bison’s press release summed it up in the following:

DAVIDSON, N.C. (September 20, 2022)– Howard University men’s golf team starts the year off with a strong showing in North Carolina, completing three rounds at the River Run Collegiate, hosted by Davidson (Oct. 19-20).

Senior Gregory Odom (Memphis) led the Bison, shooting eight under par (-8, 208) while claiming his first top finish of the season.

Odom tied the top spot early on, recording two under par (70) in the first round. Jumping ahead after shooting a 67 (-5) in round two, the Memphis native solely led the herd and held off Presbyterian’s Jack Wofford down the stretch.

Junior Marcus Smith leaped in the rankings, registering a 71 (-1) in the final round to give him a 15th place finish.

Overall, the Bison tied for 11th place after posting a 588 (+12) during two rounds on day one.

Davidson College won the event (+3, 867) by three strokes over in-state rival East Carolina (+6, 870).

Davidson head coach Tim Straub presented the Individual Champion trophy to Gregory Odom Jr.

 

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