LUMBERTON — One hundred eighty golfers, joined by alumni, former athletes, coaches, student athletes, families and community supporters, gathered at Pinecrest Country Club last weekend for the inaugural Alton “Tunney” Brooks Memorial Golf Tournament. Nearly as many spectators, volunteers, and supporters attended throughout the day, helping create a reunion atmosphere that celebrated Pirate pride while generating more than $50,000 in net proceeds for Lumberton High School athletics through the LHS Pirate Booster Club.
What began as a fundraiser quickly became something more. For many in attendance, it felt as much like a homecoming as a golf tournament. It became a reunion of generations connected by Pirate pride and a shared appreciation for the legacy of Coach Alton “Tunney” Brooks.
Throughout the day, former players reconnected with teammates and coaches while current student athletes volunteered alongside community supporters. Members of the Brooks family attended the event, as did Coach Finley Read and Ruth Read, giving many former athletes an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact both have had on generations of Lumberton students. While Coach Read’s influence on Lumberton High School athletics was evident throughout the day, many alumni also took time to share memories with Mrs. Read, a beloved English teacher whose encouragement and instruction helped shape their writing skills, confidence and future success…