At a class reunion golf outing, a lightbulb went off for Steve Ehlert – not an avid golfer but a former Jefferson football player (Class of 1976). Ehlert had so much fun with his former classmates on the golf course that he wondered if something permanent could be created.

Thus, the Jefferson Alumni Golf organization was formed. It happened in 2012, coinciding with Brian Webb’s hiring as J-Hawk head football coach to replace Jim Womochil. Jefferson was in the throes of back-to-back 0-9 seasons and Ehlert, like many former J-Hawks, wondered if something could be done to help the program.  

“We had so much fun that day, getting together and playing golf, that I thought ‘What if we could do this every year and do something to help turn around the program,’ “Ehlert said.

So Ehlert called some of his buddies to solicit their help. Over the years, numerous former J-Hawks have volunteered their time and energy to serve on the committee.

A big contribution was made to the weight room and in 2019, JAG donated $5,000 to purchase a new football blocking sled. The old one pre-dated Coach Chris Buesing’s playing days in the 1990s.

The benefactors of JAG have also included local veterans. JAG also has developed a Trades Initiative that yearly awards scholarships to Jefferson students who show a desire to pursue a career in a trade. It also has formed a Youth Initiative that receives money to encourage and support youth in football before they arrive at Jefferson.

Committee members have knocked on the doors of many local businesses, some operated by former J-Hawks, to solicit prizes and hole sponsorships. Ehlert said the No. 1 contributor has been his classmate, Al Wilson, an attorney who also serves as an agent to several NFL players. Wilson has secured many ticket packages and memorabilia that have been auctioned off at the post-tournament banquet.