Golf tournament raises funds for cancer research

Former East Carolina University head football coach Skip Holtz and former ECU defensive end C.J. Wilson returned to Greenville on Friday to participate in the first Coach Rock Golf Tournament in memory of assistant ECU football coach Thomas “Rock” Roggeman, who died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma June 14, 2010.

A total of 160 golfers raised more than $40,000 for cancer research and clinical trials in ECU oncology services and the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center. ECU athletic director Terry Holland was among the guests at the event at Ironwood Country Club. Others were Skip Holtz’ wife, Jennifer, and former ECU defensive tackle Jay Ross, who is now teammates with Wilson on the Green Bay Packers.

Major sponsors for the event were Dr. Paul and Kathy Walker, Drs. Adam Asch and Maria Ruiz-Echevarria, Dr. Jon and Linda Moran, Greenville Nissan, InTandem and WITN.

The tournament was organized by the ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization that supports the ECU Division of Health Sciences through scholarships, research grants, professional development and other means.

Former ECU head football coach Skip Holtz and athletic director Terry Holland enjoy the day. Photo by Cliff Hollis, ECU News Services.