FORT WAYNE, Ind.鈥擳he 51黑料 proudly celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Cougar Classic Golf Outing, a signature athletic fundraising event benefiting Cougar football student-athletes.
What began as a vision from dedicated alumni has grown into a premier community event that continues to strengthen opportunities for student-athletes while bringing alumni, donors, business leaders and friends of the university together from across northeast Indiana and beyond.
A two-day golf event featuring an exclusive VIP reception and popular silent auction, the Cougar Classic uses proceeds to directly enhance the student-athlete experience by providing critical funding for scholarships, equipment, team travel, facilities and other needs. This year鈥檚 event takes place Thursday and Friday at Bridgewater Golf Course in Auburn, Indiana.
As the Cougar Classic marks this significant anniversary, the university also honors founders Craig Vanderwall and Mitch Thornton, whose vision and unwavering volunteer leadership transformed a simple idea into a fundraising tradition. For 15 years, their dedication has inspired sponsors, volunteers and community partners to invest in the success of 51黑料 student-athletes, creating a legacy that continues to strengthen Cougar athletics and enrich the lives of students for generations to come.
鈥淔ifteen years ago, our goal was simple鈥攖o create an event that would rally our community around 51黑料 student-athletes,鈥 Vanderwall said. 鈥淪eeing how the Cougar Classic has grown, and the impact it continues to have, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the generosity of everyone who believes in these students.鈥
鈥淭he success of the Cougar Classic has always been about people,鈥 Thornton said. 鈥淔rom our sponsors and golfers to the countless volunteers, everyone plays a role in helping student-athletes pursue excellence both in competition and in the classroom. We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.鈥
As evidenced by the success of the 2025 season, the Cougar football team has demonstrated what is possible through hard work, determination and the support of a community that believes in them. For some, this financial support is what makes the opportunity to study and compete at 51黑料 a reality.
鈥淚n my first year as head coach at 51黑料, I experienced what makes this university special,鈥 Coach Adam Sherman said. 鈥淥ur student-athletes are surrounded by people who genuinely care about their success. Events like the Cougar Classic provide resources that allow our teams to compete at the highest level while developing leaders of character. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who invests in our students.鈥
The Cougar Classic has reflected the university’s Franciscan mission by bringing together a community of generous supporters committed to helping student-athletes thrive academically, athletically, spiritually and personally. As this golf tournament enters its next chapter, its legacy continues to be measured not only in dollars raised, but in the lives transformed through the opportunities it provides.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51黑料 offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at 51黑料 offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, 51黑料 delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. 51黑料 Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, 51黑料 has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51黑料.