Rodriguez honored at Asmonga golf outing

For the Mon Valley Independent

The Donald Asmonga Foundation announced Belle Vernon Area softball coach Tom Rodriguez as the recipient of its 2024 Leadership Award at the foundation’s annual golf outing last week.

Rodriguez is recognized for his dedication to promoting student athletic excellence and a lifelong love of sports.

“As someone who played BVA softball many moons ago, it makes me so happy to see Coach Rodriguez recognized. Coaches like Tom not only develop great players and teams, they develop young women who carry that confidence, discipline and success throughout their lives,” said Nancy Asmonga Colleton, Foundation Board Chair.

Rodriguez is enjoying a banner few weeks having just been inducted into the Mid-Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in June.

The golf outing brought together more than 200 golfers to raise funds for student athlete scholarships.

Other highlights

During the golf outing, a reunion of the 1974 BVA basketball was held.

There was also a ceremonial tee off honoring Johnny Russell. Johnny’s brother Caz Russell made the trip to Cedarbrook Golf Course from Port Royal, S.C. Also teeing off was Johnny’s cousin Ryan Russell, and his life-long friend Jack French was the third honorary starter.

The final ceremonial shot was taken by former Robert Morris basketball coach Matt Furjanic, who coached Johnny Russell with the Colonials.

Former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert joined Johnny’s regular foursome in his place.