HARRISONBURG, Va. - Golfers of all levels gathered at Spotswood Country Club on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Paul R. Yoder, Sr. Golf Classic in support of EMU Athletics. 

"Events like this thrive because of passionate community partners who believe in our mission," said Buck Smith '93, EMU Associate Director of Athletics for Operations and event organizer. "We are deeply grateful to the sixteen sponsored teams whose generosity helped us surpass $15,000 for EMU Athletics. More than just a fundraiser, today served as an invaluable bridge connecting our alumni, sponsors, and student-athletes in celebration of this institution."

Started in 1992, the Yoder Golf Classic had a very successful revamp in the fall of 2019. The Classic historically has run the same weekend as EMU Homecoming and Family Weekend, but the revamp in 2019 moved it to September as a kickoff event for the EMU Athletics year. New for 2026, the event was moved from the afternoon to a morning start at 9 a.m.

A driving concept in the move was to better connect EMU supporters with the student-athlete experience, from meeting student-athletes and coaches at the Yoder Golf Classic to enhancing leadership development outside of traditional team activities.

Features of the tournament included lunch for all participants, gift bags with a sleeve of EMU logo golf balls, tees, and goodies. A putting contest, opportunity for 50/50, prizes on every par 3, long drive prize, and the chance to meet EMU President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus.

The money raised from the tournament goes to the general athletics fund, which helps all 17 Royals sports. But as EMU director of athletics Carrie Bert explained, the tournament also is beneficial for current athletes to be able to start building relationships in the community with alums.

"This event brings together EMU Athletics staff and athletes with the golfers and sponsors on the course, creating a unique captain's choice event," Bert said. "Contributions to this event support our work as a department in a myriad of ways, always working to better our student-athlete experience and support the fantastic work of our coaches and staff. Energy on the course this year was high and the event roster was full, signaling exciting times ahead for the Yoder Golf Classic and increasing engagement with EMU Athletics."

EMU Athletics would also like to give thanks to all of supporters who came out to play. Special thanks to all of our sponsor,  especially our Champion level sponsors: The 1988 EMU Cross Country Team, Pepsi, Varsity Travel, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, and Wharton, Aldhizer, & Weaver PLC.