April 20, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — Jim Zavinski passed from this earth on Saturday, March 19, 2005.  He was of course on a golf trip in Williamsburg, Virginia with some friends including current Spackler member and 2004 Rookie of the Year, Randon Mineweaser.  

Jim's new passion was golf, and man did he love the game and loved Spackler.  He talked about last year's Spackler on a regular basis and was so looking forward to attending this year's tournament with his buddy Gumby.  Jim was hoping that Gumby would be doing some more runway modeling for any future photographs.  

He also loved his beer.  

The Carl Spackler Open quickly put together the perfect tribute to Jim Zavinski's memory with a little help from Jim himself.  On March 3rd, Jim sent an email to a few members of the Captains Club in regards to the complimentary beers at Maroon's.

It read, "I see that the first 150 drafts are on the house. As a cost cutting measure if I drink that many on Wednesday night then I will probably only be able to do 75 or so on Thursday thus if you can find someone else I'm willing to split with them."

Taking that indirect statement of Spackler excitement, the Captains Club has decided to introduce the inaugural "Zavinski 100".  The group will remember Jim each year with a tribute.  One-hundred beers in one-hundred seconds.

The field of 68 players will attempt to consume 100 beers in 100 seconds just before Round 1.  "I plan to setup and drink at least 2 beers in 75 seconds," says Matt Davis.  Kevin Long, Jr. also plans to consume his portion of 2 beers in 100 seconds.  "How can you turn down such a great tribute," says Hevy.  "A beer at the brewery and two more to honor Zavinski.  That is what this all about."

The field hopes to find 35 other guys who can achieve the ulimate tribute to a man that was lived Carl Spackler golf.  The Zavinski 100 is planned in conjunction with Thursday Player Circle just off the first tee at noon.

The group will honor Jim with the "Zavinski 100", and we are sure that Jim will be looking down on the group while playing his new favorite course, 'The Great 18'. Jim will be sadly missed by family and friends.  He leaves behind a wife, three kids, and ONE HELL OF A LEGACY.  

An announcment on Jim Zavinski's replacement at the 2005 Carl Spackler Open is expected on Monday.  There are 49 days left before Round 1.  The venue, Mountain Valley, continues to grow into summer shape.