CUA Athletics hosts second annual Golf Classic

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md.- The CUA Athletics Department hosted its second annual Golf Classic on Friday, October 2 at Renditions Golf Course.  Over 120 people gathered as CUA’s Homecoming Weekend kicked off.  The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Smathers Award to Bill Wilson ’69.

Among those in attendance on Friday was new CUA President John H. Garvey.  President Garvey was able to visit with each foursome that competed, teeing off with them at the start of the 15th hole.

Following the fun on the links, the golfers were joined by members of the CUA Athletics Department for an awards and dinner presentation.  Highlighting the event was the presentation of the Smathers Award.

The CUA Athletics Smathers Award is named after John E. Smathers ’80.  A political science major, Smathers earned his Juris Doctorate from CUA in 1984.  He was also a defensive back on the Cardinals football team.

Following his graduation from CUA’s law school, Smathers clerked for a Circuit Court Judge and was an assistant state’s attorney for Prince George’s County from 1985 until July of 1991.  He resigned in 1991 to join the United States Army where he participated in Iraqi Freedom in March of 2003, serving in Iraq until March of 2004.

One of the most decorated reservists who served in Iraq, Smathers was severely wounded in battle and after courageously fighting for his life, passed away on February 4, 2006 at the age of 47.

The CUA Athletics Smathers Award honors Smathers as a former CUA student-athlete who distinguished himself in his service to his community and to his country.

The 2010 recipient of the CUA Athletics Smathers Award is Bill Wilson ’69.  Wilson was a standout on the Cardinals basketball team who earned All-Region and All-Metropolitan College/University Team honors in 1969.  He scored 1,234 career points and received the Harris Cup trophy following his senior season for his outstanding service to the university as a scholar and a gentleman.  In 1997 Wilson was inducted into the CUA Athletic Hall of Fame.

Since 1970, Wilson has been a counselor and member of the basketball coaching staff at Gonzaga College High School.  He has worked with individual students and their families, and been involved in the development and implementation of grief groups for students who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

In addition to his counseling and coaching responsibilities, Wilson has served on numerous school committees, participated in the Kairos and freshman retreat programs, volunteered at the McKenna Center for homeless men, supported many of the school’s sport programs and been involved in many other activities that are part of the life of a high school counselor.

Since his graduation, Wilson has maintained a continuing relationship with Catholic University.  He has supported the athletic department and served on their Hall of Fame selection committee.  Wilson can often be seen at athletic, cultural and alumni activities at the university.