Wrangell Sentinel -

Area golfers teed off for cancer treatment last weekend, during Wrangell Medical Center's tenth annual Rally For Cancer Care Tournament at Muskeg Meadows. The yearly tournaments raise funds for the WMC Foundation's cancer care program, which assists patients with travel and lodging expenses as they seek treatment for various forms of cancer.

Fifty-nine women took part in Saturday's tournament, which featured noncompetitive, fun challenges on the course. Twenty-one of the participants came from Petersburg, and tournament organizer Olinda White said eight men also played on Saturday.

Though scores weren't kept, there was some competitive play. Wrangell resident Chris Ellis won the straightest drive, at only seven inches off. Petersburger Mandie Whitethorn was the closest to pin, at 123 inches.

The next day, 16 golfers participated in the WMC Men's Cancer Care Tournament. In the best-ball,

teams-of-four tournament, the team of Robert Macis, Glacier Larsen, Eric Kading and Clint Lewis took first place. The four held a net score of 23, with a team handicap of 15. Macis also made the straightest drive, off by about 11 inches.

In second place were George and Brett Woodbury, Robert Johnson and Jim Abbot, with a net score of 24 and handicap of 12.

The weekend benefited from a stretch of sunshine in the middle of a rainy couple of weeks. Last year's tournament was delayed by a week after a torrential downpour and gale-force winds prevented Petersburg players from making the trip.

"The weather was good both days," White noted. Saturday and Sunday saw highs and mostly sunny weather in the upper-60's with low wind.

Lunch and a silent auction of items followed Saturday's tournament. Items were donated by residents and businesses from both communities, and included quilts, photography, jewelry and other gift items. Coupled with entrance fees, the weekend raised $6,400 for the program.

Donations for the cancer care travel program are also being accepted. Interested donors can call 874-7000 for more information.

Winding up its season, Muskeg Meadows will be hosting the Sea Level Seafoods Best Ball Tournament this weekend. The tourney will have nine holes each day, and there are extra prizes to win this year. Registration starts at the course at 9 a.m., and play begins at 10 a.m.