Jenny (Reece) Peri – (1986)
The Mike Rusciolelli Tourney is an extremely special annual event. Each year it is a time for the community of friends and family that surround the Rusciolelli family to gather for an afternoon of golfing, food and friendship. For me the tournament is much more than a golf tournament. As we age and time becomes increasingly filled with the necessities of growing careers and families I often neglect the relationships of friends that are very dear to me. The tourney gives me an opportunity to reunite with this community of wonderful people that I wish I could see more often while remembering a dear soul that is no longer with us. To be able to enjoy this experience while benefiting Osbourn Park High School makes the event an all around wonderful afternoon. If only the tourney could be held more than once a year…
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Mary Hashagen – (2007)
It was very well organized and the people running it were very friendly and welcoming. The course was in great condition, and very challenging. It was also great that water and snacks were readily available. It was a pleasure to be able to play in this tournament, and I was extremely lucky to be offered the opportunity. |
Justin Christopher – (1995)
Mike Ruscioleli and I attended high school together, were in several of the same classes, hung out with a lot of the same people, etc. Mike and I also played golf together. As letter winners of other sports (Mike soccer, myself baseball), I don’t think we were expected to amount to anything when we tried out for the OP golf team our junior year. Though we knew most of the guys on the team, Mike and I were the “other sport” guys, and we saw it as a badge of honor whenever we beat one of the “golf only” guys. When Mike passed, and his brothers organized a golf tournament in his memory, there was simply no better way for me to honor my friend, then to play. In the last twelve years I’ve been on some winning teams and some losing teams, beaten our old golf coach Mike Foley, and been beaten by him (and many others). Regardless, the Michael Ruscioleli Memorial Invitational has been a highlight on my calendar each year not for the big, silver trophy I aim to take home, but for the reason why it all started: to remember Mike. It makes it even more special that I get to remember him in the setting where we had some of our best times, the golf course. I look forward to seeing old friends and teachers each year at the event, and meeting new Osbourn Park supporters. I hope there are others who look forward to seeing me each year, because I’ll always be there, trying to get my hands on that silver trophy.
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Mike Foley - (teacher) It has been my pleasure to honor the memory of Mike Rusciolelli and his family by playing in the Mike Rusciolelli Memorial Tournament. Every year we gather is better than the last. Just about everybody who plays in the tournament looks forward to playing in it. Not so much because we enjoy golf at a great golf course but, we truly enjoy everyone's company. If you don't know everyone you certainly have connections that connect everyone together. The rivalries between some teams are fierce yet extremely friendly. The cart girls are extremely friendly and considerate. The whole organization of the tournament is first-rate. The raffles prizes (of which I have won a few) are really fine because those who sponsor them are aware of the special nature this tournament. The whole atmosphere is friendly and jovial. That the tournament is played at such a fine facility as Westfields Golf Club with its truly excellent and competent staff, only adds to the ambiance of the affair. |
