Saints Golf Program Receives Gift Of New Mercedes Sprinter Van

Thanks to the numerous donors who made it possible, Limestone University golfers were treated to a surprise on Friday, October 30, as their new Mercedes Sprinter Van was delivered to campus behind a blue-light escort.

With the men’s and women’s golf team members gathered up outside Stephenson Dining Hall prior to a meeting of the Limestone Board of Trustees, the van was revealed when head coach Zack Siefert drove up in the new vehicle that the two teams will use to travel to tournaments across the region. The escort was provided by a Limestone Campus Safety vehicle.

The lead donors for the van included Susan and Randy Hines, John and Leslie Rountree, Ron Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carnes, and Syd Blythe. Several other contributors also helped to make the gift possible. The van has been nicknamed “The Susan” in honor of Susan Hines.

“This is a pretty special day for Limestone, and particularly for our golf program,” University President Dr. Parker said to the group of golfers, as Trustees and donors stood by after the van was delivered. “These donors did it because they believe in you. They have a commitment to Limestone and a commitment to your success – because they believe in your success. It is time to transform our expectations. When you arrive in this van, the other teams are going to see that Limestone’s expectations are different. Enjoy taking this van to your next tournament and enjoy taking this van to your next national championship!”

The customized van includes an equipment storage area in the rear, leather captain’s seats for the players, state of the art technology, unlimited Wi-Fi, and many other amenities.

“As members of our men’s and women’s golf teams, our student-athletes enjoy first-class facilities and receive a first-class education at Limestone University. And now, they have a first-class ride – thanks to the generosity of the donors,” said Limestone Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Cerino. “I know I speak for the entire athletic department, Coach Siefert, and our Saints golfers in saying thank you. It just got even cooler to be a golfer at Limestone University. This incredible gift makes our golfers powerhouses on the course and now on the road as well.”

Susan Hines, who was shocked to see “The Susan” license plate on the front of the vehicle, said the van will do much more than take the Saints to and from tournaments.

“Limestone’s golf team, and all teams at Limestone, should have quality, safe travel,” she noted.  “It is so important for you to have a van where you can rest, study and learn, meditate, or whatever you need to do as you travel and attend tournaments. It will make you a better student and a better person, and it will make your quality of life so much better on the road. In the future, when you are gone from Limestone and you are successful in life, please consider giving back to Limestone or giving to the charity of your choice. But right now, just concentrate on being a student-athlete and being the best that you can be.”