Steve Arnovich: Continuing to give back

• Lance & Billy

Lance & Billy

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The following is another “Have Fun or Get Out of the Way” column by award-winning Don Leighton and Mike Granlund and their alter egos, Lance Boyle and Billy Pirkola, which runs occasionally in The Superior Telegram.

You know how things sneak up on you without realizing it? Since summer (how’s the hot weather been treating you?) has been so forthcoming, Lance and Billy want to wish you a happy summer with plenty of high 70- and low 80-degree temperatures in the days to come.

‘The Lance and Billy Meteorological Society’ promises great weather for this Saturday at Nemadji Golf Course for the fourth annual Steve Arnovich Memorial Golf Scramble beginning with 1 p.m. shotgun start.

Arnovich, who graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1990 and the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1996, was an outstanding athlete and person that left us way too soon. One who knew him well was Steve Olson, coach, teacher, friend and Superior Youth Organization President.

“Steve was a great baseball player in the SYO baseball program and a standout football player in the Superior Youth Football program,” Olson said. “He continued to display his excellent baseball and football skills in both sports at SHS and UWS and was one of the most outstanding athletes I have had the privilege of coaching at SHS.

“He had an incredible level of skill and was also a great teammate and friend to so many of his playmates and coaches.”

The Arnovich family has set up the 14 Foundation to keep the memory of Steve Arnovich alive and to help the kids of Superior.

Once again, Olson explains, “The 14 Foundation has played an integral part in the many improvements made to the Hayes Court Baseball/Softball Complex. Due to the family’s efforts, the SYO was able to completely renovate Field 1 at the complex. His name will live on forever as Field 1 has now been named the Steve Arnovich Field. The foundation continues to monetarily support the efforts of SYO in making continued improvements to the complex.”

Olson continues with something that says a lot about Arnovich.

“This is what I truly believe Steve would have done if he was still with us today,” Olson said. “Steve lived by the motto of ‘giving back’ to the programs he was involved with and was dedicated to making things better for all involved. Steve made a difference in people’s lives.”

Steve’s wife, Candy, is an art teacher in the Superior School District. His eight-year-old daughter, Aili, is an artist, plays softball and golf, and recently placed first in competition in Minneapolis in figure skating.

“I got my athletic ability from my daddy and my artistic ability from my mommy,” Aili said.

We predict great things for this dynamo.

The mission statement of the foundation says it all.

“Our mission is to see that Steve’s name lives on in our community through raising funds and donating them in his name. Our fundraising efforts will be directed toward the scholarship that is in his name, as well as youth athletic and artistic programs and facilities.”

Giving back to the community is exactly what Steve and his family are doing. How are the kids in Superior benefiting from their generosity? Here is a partial list.

In addition to $11,000 for on-going field improvements to the SYO, other sizable donations have been presented to the Superior Middle School art department, YMCA, Superior Basketball Association, Cathedral School art and music programs, Great Lakes playground, Luther Bible Camp, Cooper Elementary physical education program, Salvation Army, Bryant Elementary art program, Four Corners music program and Steve R. Arnovich Memorial Scholarships have been created through SHS.

So far, the foundation has donated approximately $25,000 to support the youth of Superior.

Thirty-two teams have already entered Saturday’s golf tournament with only eight spots remaining. To enter call the Nemadji Golf Course at 715-394-2066.

Lance and Billy, members of AH HA, Amateur Horrific Hackers Association, have been assured by golf guru, Mark Carlson, and expert on all things related to grass and dirt, Steve Flagstad, that a great time is in store for all golfers.

As promised, the weather will fully cooperate. Be ready and don’t let this event sneak past you. Play some golf, support the SYO and other organizations that the 14 Foundation helps, enjoy the beautiful Nemadji Golf Course and help the Arnovich family celebrate and honor the life and times of Steve Arnovich.

Give his mom and dad, Elaine and Paul, a big hug. Stories are allowed.

In fact, they are requested.

Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com.

Tags: have fun or get out of the way, collections, sports, superior, baseball, golf, updates