Weather Research Centertm

April 1996

THE FIRST ANNUAL WEATHERMAN'S CLASSIC

HOUSTON - The first annual Weatherman's (or Weatherperson's!) Classic held at the Willowisp Country Club on April 15 was a great success. As a result of the beautiful weather, Houstonians should now be convinced that the weatherpersons can control the weather, especially when they're playing golf! There was not a cloud in the sky when Houston-area meteorologists met for the first golf challenge.

Local television stations were well represented with both weathercasters and news anchors. They included: Dr. Neil Frank and Kathie Turner (Channel 11), Gene Norman, Doug Brown and Tom Koch (Channel 13), Frank Billingsley (Channel 2), Mike Barajas (Channel 26) and Toni Navarre and Cecila Sinclair (Channel 51). The Weatherman's Classic was a fund-raiser to benefit the Weather Museum and Education Center, which is being developed by the Weather Research Center in Houston.

The museum will be a place for persons of all ages to come and learn about the weather as well as to see interesting weather artifacts from the past. It is the hope of the founders that museum will aid in the education of the public, especially in the area of weather safety. According to Weather Research Center Director Jill Hasling, the golf tournament is just one of the means that the Center is trying to raise funds to start the museum.

"We are trying to reach a goal of $50,000 by June to match a challenge grant from Houston Endowment. This tournament as well as a founding membership drive has raised a little over $40,000 in donations and pledges," said Hasling . Individuals or corporations can become members of the museum. If you are interested in becoming one of founding members, please contact Weather Research Center.

The results of the golf tournament, a four person scramble, are as follows: third place went to the Stewart & Stevenson Team of Walter Freeman, Kirk Robison and Mark Toon with a score of 62. There was a tie for first with scores of 61 which was broken by hole between the Channel 11 team: Dr. Neil Frank, Ron Frank, Joe Duke, and Randy Harris; and a team from ABC Supply Company: Don Dalton, Ed McKaughan, Ron Blancett and Arnold Delgado. First place went to the ABC Supply Company Team. The Putting Contest was won by Don Dalton, longest drive was won by Ron Frank and closest to the pin was won by Lee Lockard.

A big thanks to our hole sponsors: Mid-West Electric Co.; Adam/Gordon Insurance; Browning Ferris Industries; Lynn Embrey, P.C.; Helen Freeman-Fine Pottery; Forster-Freeman Gallery; Hebinck & Associates, P.C.; Dr. Robert N. Gordon; Paul & Martha Freeman; The Weather Channel; West University Bank; Greenwood-King Properties, Shirley Westwood; Houston Chronicle-ThisWeek; Donald C. Ruthven, Jr., D.D.S.; Teleport Communications Group; Cisco Systems; Houston Cellular; Climate Assessment Technology and Bud Griffin & Associates. Their support is greatly appreciated and will help the Weather Museum off the to a great start.

For more information about the Weather Museum and Education Center, please call the Weather Research Center, (713) 529-3076.