Kalen DeBoer headlines Senior Bowl Charities Celebrity Golf Classic

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) —  From Pro Football Hall of Fame players, to current head coaches, legendary football figures spent the weekend along the Gulf Coast to celebrate the Senior Bowl. The premiere all-star game inducted five new members into its hall of fame on Sunday then hosted its annual Senior Bowl charities celebrity golf event on Monday morning at Lakewood Golf Club.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was joined by members of his coaching staff including defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and defensive line coach Freddie Roach. Other coaches in attendance: Major Applewhite (South Alabama), Scott Cochran (West Alabama), Charles Huff (Memphis), Charlie Kelly (Jacksonville State). Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Mobile/Baldwin Athletic Partnership. The organization supports local football programs to provide needed equipment needed to ensure all ages are gaining valuable experience in athletics.

“Anytime you’re doing something for kids and providing opportunities, they’re all for it,” DeBoer said. “Especially down here, there’s this great support. There’s a lot of talent down here, when it comes to football, too. We’ll continue to be strong in our recruitment and an event like this is awesome for them.”

“The Senior Bowl has given back since inception in 1951 – more than $8 million dollars to the local community,” said Senior Bowl Director of Public Relations. “Now we’re giving $95,000 a year to the underfunded public schools, so we’re really proud to do that. We are happy with not only with that charity but with all others. We’ve got a lot of partners here that are included in that as well.”

Pro Football Hall of Fame members Robert Brazile, Kevin Mawae and Thurman Thomas were a in attendance and the trio are handful of players who went from Senior Bowl players to the most prestigious fraternity in the sport. Local golf expert and Senior Bowl Charities Celebrity Golf Classic tournament chairman John Racciatti enjoys how the sport of golf brings together the best on the gridiron.

“Ever since I came into this town, the Senior Bowl has been a staple in the Mobile community and surrounding counties,” Racciatti said. “The Hall of Fame induction last night was first class and it is great to see those guys get inducted. To be out here today and play golf on a gorgeous golf course on a gorgeous day, it caps it all off for the day.”