Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of those taking part in the Third Annual K7 Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament at Highland Oaks on Friday.
Fact is, more golfers than were originally registered showed up hoping for a spot on the tournament run by Dothan native and former Alabama football great Keven Jackson, along with Keith Martin, a Town Creek native who now lives in Dothan and also played at Alabama.
“It’s supposed to be cut off at 28 and we’re at 34 right now and there are still people walking in,” Martin said of the teams registered. “When it gets big, it gets big … you’ve just got to grow with it. The golf course has been great … they’re working with us.”
A meet and greet session was held with fans and former Alabama and Auburn football players Thursday night at Buffalo Wild Wings leading into the golf tournament, which raises money for ALS awareness and the Goode Foundation – which supports former Alabama and NFL player Kerry Goode, who is battling the disease.
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Jackson is proud of how the event has grown over the three years.
“Last night we had a great turnout at Buffalo Wild Wings – a great crowd and participation,” Jackson said. “The celebrities walked around and had a lot of fun with the fans signing autographs. We had pictures we were giving away and just had a good time in fellowship.”
Though trying to work in some extra golfers was challenging, Jackson much rather see that than the alternative.
“A lot of folks showing up we don’t have on the list, but that’s a good thing … we’re trying to make it work,” Jackson said. “But man, it’s good to have that kind of problem. The support in Dothan and the Wiregrass is really getting bigger and bigger for this organization.”
Nobody is prouder of the K7 Foundation than Jackson’s mother, Janice, who walked around the Highland Oaks clubhouse with a big smile on her face.
Keven Jackson poses with his mother, Janice, on Friday morning at Highland Oaks.
“I am so proud of him, but that’s just the way he was raised, you know?” she said. “That’s all I did was help other people. I used to cook for folks and get in my car and ride around and give it away to people on the street. That’s all he ever knew was to help somebody. It’s a blessing … God is good.”
Marvin Constant, an Alabama star linebacker in the late 1990s, was making his first appearance at the tournament.
Former Alabama linebacker Marvin Constant, left, and Cottonwood boys basketball coach Greg Greenwood, check their phones before the golf tournament began.
“Any time you have an opportunity to give back, it’s always important … especially for something with ALS and all the lives it impacts, and Kerry himself,” Constant said. “How could you not want to give back?”
He also enjoys seeing former Alabama players come together for a good cause.
“It’s always good to see the guys, because it’s a brotherhood, whether we played together or not,” Constant said. “We always have a great time when we’re together, and when we’re raising money for a charity such as this, it gives it even more meaning.”
Joey Jones, who was a receiver for Alabama from 1979 to 1983 before going into the coaching ranks, which included serving as head coach at South Alabama (2009-2017), is now coaching as an assistant at Thompson High near Birmingham after spending last year as director of player personnel at Mississippi State.
“The retirement life got just a little bit boring, so Mark (Freeman, head coach) called me up and really wanted me to come over there,” Jone said. “I thought about it for about a month … we’re really good friends and a great football coach … and I decided to do it and I’m loving what I’m doing working with kids again.
“I’m coaching receivers and special teams … it’s kind of what I did at Mississippi State in coaching special teams, so they gave that to me after I got here.”
Like the others, Jones was glad to take part in the tournament in Dothan.
“Look, life is much bigger than football and baseball and all the sports,” Jones said. “I don’t want to use the word give back, because I just think you need to give. I have a golf tournament down in Kiva Dunes (Gulf Shores) every year. When you’re raising money for a good cause it’s always a good thing … the recipients need the money.”
Another Jones – Christopher Jones – was also on hand for the event to show his support. He oversees the annual Savoy Jones Benefit Foundation golf tournament, which is done in remembrance of his late son, Savoy, and raises money for scholarships and to give back to various non-profit organizations around the area.
“I want to support Keven because he’s doing great things for ALS, and he’s giving back to the community,” Christopher Jones said. “You don’t see that quite often from athletes who come back to their hometown and continue to give to the community. I commend him for doing that, and he’s a good friend.”
