𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐓𝐉 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥

The Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) hosted a radio roundtable on Monday at Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) at Capitol Hill, as Stanhope Elmore High School (SEHS) also hosted a sectional golf tournament.

SEHS Principal Wes Dunsieth emphasized the significance of partnerships with entities like the Elmore County Commission, Grandview Family YMCA, and ECEDA, as those relationships lead to more opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.

“Academics are first, of course, but these extra activities are very, very important,” said Dunsieth. “We’re giving these kids opportunities to see things and do things that they, probably 20 years ago, would have never had the chance to do.”

SEHS Golf Coach Joey Hawkins said extracurricular activities can play a major role in keeping students engaged at school. While some students may not always shine in the classroom, athletics can give them a place to build confidence, connect with others, and discover their strengths.

“I have some students that I have to beg to talk to,” said Hawkins. “They might be great students, but they’re just not comfortable, and they’re a little bit in their shell, and sports really bring them out a little bit.”

RTJ at Capitol Hill Director of Operations Will Fisher said the course regularly supports student athletics, also serving as a host site for Wetumpka High School, as well as schools in neighboring counties.

“We do a lot, not just here but across the state,” said Fisher. “It’s [student athletics] something that we definitely make a priority and take pleasure in doing. It’s something that helps us grow the game of golf in the state of Alabama.”

Beyond student athletics, RTJ at Capitol Hill also hosts the Alabama Open, a prestigious tournament recognized as one of the state’s most significant golf championships. Registration is now open at https://alabamanwfloridapga.com/alabama-open/.​​​