The District 203 Boys golf teams put aside their rivalry for a day and instead raised money for two teammates who left a lasting impression. This Off the Field is presented by Molly Maids of the Aurora Naperville Area.
The Story
Set aside for the day… the rivalry … Naperville North, Naperville Central. It may be one for the ages, but today at White Eagle Golf Course, golfers are setting aims for more than just greens.
Mikey Gustafson lost his fight from brain cancer at age 15. The former North golfer may have never teed it up with this current team, but his presence is felt and his initials seen on the Huskies polo shirts.
The rivalry cup existed before Mikey gave it a deeper meaning. It now represents an opportunity to raise money for the Swifity Foundation, a nonprofit that was created by Gustafson before his death.
Since 2013, the teams have raised over $10,000 for the foundation. Now, donning CH on their bucket hats, Naperville Central honors one of their own who also lost his fight.
Connor Hunt passed away in February of 2018 from an aggressive, soft tissue cancer. He was a member of the Central golf and baseball teams. Both now honor him in different ways. The baseball team with jerseys that say ConMan Strong. The golf team who now donates to the Connor Hunt Foundation during this match.
And in their names, family and friends pledge money for low scores or flat donations in an effort to combat pediatric cancer.
Naperville North walked away with the lowest scores of the day. But that doesn’t matter. The District 203 teams realize that it is not about who wins or loses… rather playing in memory of two teammates who lost their battles too soon but continue to inspire.
Check out other Off the Field’s like this one in our Athlete Profiles.
