Kezer-Francini Golf Classic Oct. 12
By Matthew Cannata | Sports Correspondent at October 3, 2023 | 9:00 am | Print
Running a sports program at a school is no easy task. Running a sports program in a city such as New Britain, which has limited funds, makes it even harder. However, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more passionate and energetic group of coaches in the New Britain school system that always put the children first and will always do anything they can to bring their programs to the next level, even if it means sacrificing their own time in the offseason.
That’s why Roberto Mercado, head coach of the baseball program and Bob Zadrozny, head coach of the boys’ golf program, joined forces three years ago to create a spectacular golf tournament that benefits both programs. With the tournament becoming more and more successful each year, both are excited for this year’s event, which will be held on Oct. 12 at Stanley Golf Course.
The tournament, the Kezer-Francini Golf Classic, is named after Ken Kezer and Robert Francini. Kezer coached baseball at the high school and Francini coached boys’ golf. Both were instrumental in leading their respective programs over the years and built them into something that were well-respected around the state.
“One of the primary objectives of the tournament is to recognize and honor the efforts and accomplishments of two former New Britain High School coaches, who gave so much back to the community and their schools,” Zadrozny said.
The other objective, according to Mercado and Zadrozny, is to raise the necessary funds that will be used to support the student-athletes participating in the programs in the spring. This includes academic tutors, new equipment and uniforms, training aids, post-season activities and other events that will allow the coaches to support the student-athletes both in the classroom and on the playing fields.
“Sports today are costly and it is difficult to remain competitive without the help of supporters,” Mercado said. “Besides devoting a lot of time to athletics, the members of our team also take their studies seriously. Their success at balancing academics and their sport is a tribute to the positive influences that you, our friends and supporters, have on their lives.”
The tournament, which is $125 per person, will begin at 10 a.m. with registration, the practice range and the putting green. At 11 a.m., players will tee off in a shotgun start scramble format, with four players in each group. Lunch will be held “At the Turn” and following the tournament, drink and appetizers will be had at St. Jerome’s Hall. From 5-9 p.m., a buffet dinner along with raffle and tournament awards will be given out. If you aren’t playing golf, you may still attend cocktail hour and dinner with a donation of $20.
According to Mercado, the goals for the baseball program this coming season are the same as they’ve always been – get in the state tournament, win the conference and win the state championship. For Zadrozny, he wants to field a competitive team and continue to develop his golfers throughout the year.
The coaches are also seeking sponsorships for the tournament. For $1,000, you can have four golfers, a tee sign, your name on a banner at the registration area and a full page ad in the program. For $500, you can have two golfers, a tee sign and a half page ad in the program. For $250, you can have one golfer, a tee sign, and a quarter page ad in the program. For $100, you get a hole sign and a business card ad in the program and for $50, you get your name in the program.
For more information and/or to register for the tournament, you may contact Roberto Mercado at (860) 836-5997 or Bob Zadrozny at 860-729-5365. You can also visit their Facebook page – Kezer-Francini Golf Tournament.
