Emerald Youth hosts Rick Barnes Golf Classic at Holston Hills
By Ken Lay
The 2024-25 college basketball season looms around the corner and the Tennessee basketball team kicked its preparation for the new campaign into high gear on Tuesday.
On Monday, Sept. 23, the day before the Vols had their first official practice, coach Rick Barnes appeared at the annual Rick Barnes Emerald Youth Golf Classic presented by First Century Bank.
The tournament, which was held at Holston Hills Country Club, is one of the primary fundraisers for the Emerald Youth Foundation, a ministry that serves inner-city youth through sports and educational opportunities.
Barnes, who begins his 11th season as UT’s head coach, had some thoughts on the upcoming season, which follows Tennessee’s run to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament, and basketball wasn’t far from his mind. But this day was to bring awareness and raise money for the Emerald Youth Foundation, which has served Knoxville’s inner-city youth for more than three decades.
“When I first came here, my wife and I wanted to get involved in the community,” Barnes said. “So, I asked Mr. (Jim) Haslam about it, and he suggested that I get involved with the Emerald Youth Foundation.”
Barnes has been involved with the organization ever since, serving on its Board of Directors.
“I love the work that (CEO) Steve Diggs has done with Emerald Youth, leading young people to Christ and making sure that every child has the opportunity to live a full life,” Barnes said. “I really appreciate all the work that Steve Diggs has done.”
The Emerald Youth Foundation and its work have always been close to Barnes’ heart.
A native of Hickory, North Carolina, Barnes grew up as a latch-key kid and relied on coaches and other educators for mentorship and guidance.
“It’s been a big part of my life since I’ve been here,” he said. “And I feel truly blessed to be in a place like Knoxville. We’re lucky to be here where people come together to support something like this.
“It’s important to me because I had people like these people, who played a big role in my life. They were a big part of my life and an important part of my life at a time when I needed them.”
Final totals for proceeds raised by this year’s tournament were not available at press time but Emerald Youth Foundation spokesman John Crooks said, “It was a successful tournament.”
As part of this year’s event, Barnes and the Winegardner Foundation issued a matching gift challenge. The community was encouraged to raise $250,000 in support of Emerald Youth, which would be doubled by Barnes and Dean Winegardner, a local businessman, meaning the total raised could be nearly $500,000.
