OAK HILL — The first annual Harding-Powell Memorial Golf Tournament was held Saturday, May 22 at the White Oak Country Club. The tournament raised money to establish scholarships to be presented to graduating seniors at Oak Hill High school.

Fifteen teams played in drenching rain and burning sun to honor the tournament’s namesakes, Larry Harding and Tom Powell. The winning team consisted of Billy Bush Jr., Larry Canterbury, Robert Gometz and Mike Montgomery who combined for a remarkable 17 under par. Included in the amazing round was one of the rarest shots in golf, a double eagle by Bush.

In 1995, Powell approached the Fayette County Board of Education, proposing that a women’s soccer team be established at Oak Hill High School. The Lady Red Devils have had many successful seasons since that time.

The Thomas M. Powell Memorial Scholarship was established to benefit an OHHS female athlete, as he believed they should have every opportunity to benefit from the camaraderie and self-confidence that sports can provide. Powell’s family would like to thank everyone who played a role in making the first golf tournament a resounding success.

Nancy Harding and her daughter, Lori, want to express their appreciation to everyone involved in making the Larry Harding-Tom Powell Memorial Golf Tournament a huge success - the workers, sponsors and golfers.

Harding was on the board of directors of the Oak Hill High/Collins High School Alumni Association for many years, being involved in every aspect of the organization. An engineer in the design of mining equipment with Long-Airdox Company for 42 years, Harding always found time for community service, as well as coaching sixth grade basketball for over 20 years. He was told by many of his former players that his guidance helped shape their adult lives. Just recently a former player told Nancy that Larry was his hero. It is a great tribute to honor Harding with an engineering scholarship in his name.

The event staff, composed of friends and family of Harding and Powell, wishes to thank everyone who gave their financial support and/or gave a gift of their time. The day was a special tribute to two of Fayette County’s best remembered citizens.

The Harding-Powell Tournament will be held annually on the Saturday prior to the Memorial Day weekend.