Golden Bear Golf Benefit raises funds and honors one of Shelbyville’s finest

The 2025 Golden Bear Golf Benefit on behalf of Shelbyville High School boys basketball and football fielded 39 teams, dodged rain and honored one of the school greatest athletes Saturday at The Legends Golf Club.

The Law Family/Zotec Partners, Cagney’s Pizza King and Montana Mike’s were major event sponsors. Nine-hole sponsors included: Today’s Dental Care, Dr. Phil Batton, Bruce van Cleve, E-Z Dumpsters, Brewer Machine, Corevision, MHP, “Z” Shirts and Tom Dierckman.

The event once again received an extremely generous contribution from Joe and Theresa Harlan.

There were an additional 47 single-hole sponsors.

Luke Lockridge photo

Former SHS and Indiana University basketball star Gary Long was honored for his remarkable basketball achievements. Long graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1957 and became a three-year letterman and two-year starting guard for Branch McCracken’s Hurryin’ Hoosiers from 1957-1961.

Long is a member of The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame as well as the Shelbyville High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

The event also recognized 1970 Indiana Basketball All-Star Harry Larrabee and 1954 Golden Bear football greats Dick Moorhead and Marvin McLane.

“This turnout and support at events like this are important and raise important funds,” said SHS head football coach Scott Fitzgerald. “It is also great to see so many supporters that get together to support our school athletic programs. This is always a fun day.”

A total of 39 golf teams participated on a day that imposed an approximate 90-minute delay due to lightning. A good many players endured the intermission and enjoyed excellent weather for the remainder of the outing.

The Nick Law team of Law, Jared Harris, Zach Burns and Hogan Crenshaw finished as champions with a score of 50.

The Pat Hartnett team of Hartnett, Brenden Hartnett, Jake Coffey and Joe Masur was runner-up with a 51.