Valparaiso University men’s golf senior Anthony Delisanti (Sanborn, N.Y. / Niagara Wheatfield) competed in the Patriot All-American Invitational this week as the prestigious event took place at Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield Park, Ariz. over the final three days of the 2024 calendar year.
 
Delisanti had his best round of the tournament in Tuesday’s third and final round, carding a 67 (-3) to finish at 212 (+2; 73-72-67), tied for 46^th of 84 in a field that featured the best of the best. The event featured PING All-Americans from last season, international team members and special invitees. The event offers a holiday bowl-like experience and is a combined effort of Arizona Golf Association, the West Valley Mavericks, the Golf Coaches Association of America and the Wigwam Golf Resort in conjunction with the tournament’s beneficiary, Folds of Honor Foundation.
 
Each player competed to honor a specific military hero. At the opening ceremony, each golfer received and carried a commemorative PING golf bag with a fallen or wounded hero’s name, rank and branch. Delisanti competed in honor of Richard B. Wolnewitz, whose biographical information is available below.
 
Fire Captain Richard Wolnewitz, 44, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL passed away on August 16, 2022, following a two-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer.
 
Growing up, Brian realized his true passion for helping others and decided to pursue a career as a firefighter and paramedic. He graduated from Florida State Fire College in March 2001 and began his career at Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue. Brian served his community for over 20 years, working tirelessly to achieve the ranks of fire medic, lieutenant, and captain.
 
Following his cancer diagnosis, Captain Wolnewitz made it his priority to raise awareness about the countless risks firefighters face daily while in the line of duty, including the inhalation and absorption of toxins. He participated in and contributed to several cancer research trials around the country to help others in the future.
 
Friends remember him as an exceptional leader. His softspoken and gentle tone commanded an audience. He was smart as a whip, loyal, kind, selfless, courageous, and truly one of a kind.
 
Captain Wolnewitz is survived by his wife, Julie, daughter Emma, twins Presley and Cooper, and son Harper.