Deputy Sheriff’s Association holds the Lisa Koehler Memorial
Golf Tournament
Twenty years ago, a bright, pretty high school student left her
job at a local supermarket and walked across the parking lot to her
car. She was never seen alive again.
The San Benito County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is holding
the Lisa Koehler Memorial Golf Tournament at Ridgemark Golf Club
Sept. 5. For the second year in a row, money raised will go to a
scholarship fund in memory of Koehler, a 16-year-old girl who was
assaulted and murdered 20 years ago. Her killer remains in
prison.
Deputy Sheriff’s Association holds the Lisa Koehler Memorial Golf Tournament
Twenty years ago, a bright, pretty high school student left her job at a local supermarket and walked across the parking lot to her car. She was never seen alive again.
The San Benito County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is holding the Lisa Koehler Memorial Golf Tournament at Ridgemark Golf Club Sept. 5. For the second year in a row, money raised will go to a scholarship fund in memory of Koehler, a 16-year-old girl who was assaulted and murdered 20 years ago. Her killer remains in prison.
“After 20 years they’re still thinking of her, which means a lot to us,” said Sandy Koehler, Lisa’s mother. “This goes on. It continues to help other people, the scholarships.”
The $500 scholarship goes to one female student every year at San Benito High School, where Lisa attended school.
“My parents didn’t let it ruin their marriage or ruin their lives,” said Kim Koehler-Bixel, Lisa’s sister. “They still love golf. They are thrilled that their daughter is remembered in that way. And they love to see all my sister’s friends.”
This is the second annual Lisa Koehler Memorial Golf Tournament, said Ed Nino, the event organizer.
“It’ll be a scramble format,” Nino said. “Basically, you have a team of players and everybody takes a turn at hitting the ball. You have four chances to hit a good ball. You go up to that best ball and hit from there.”
The entrance fee is $140 per player and includes dinner and a gift bag, Nino said.
“We’re looking for more players to join the tournament, and remember her and honor her,” Kim said.
Exceptional golfing skills are not required.
“It’ll be a blast,” Nino said. “We’ll have a raffle and putting contests. We’ll have hole-in-one prizes.”
Organizers are also seeking hole sponsors, which costs $150, Nino said.
“What we’ll do is we will promote a business, or whatever you choose, on a sign at T-boxes throughout the golf course,” Nino said.
The deadline for participants and sponsors is Aug. 31.
Last year’s event was a success, Nino said.
“We had about 50 golfers,” Nino said. “I’m hoping to double it this year.”
Nino said they are hoping to raise enough to fund scholarships at Anzar High School and San Andreas Continuation High School, adding “We haven’t done that yet.”
Deputy Sheriff’s Association members created the Lisa Koehler Memorial Scholarship Fund after her death.
“[Her father] was in law enforcement – it was a tragedy in the community – so we stepped up to the plate,” Nino said.
The Koehler family participated in the tournament last year.
“It brought back a lot of memories, but a lot of good memories,” Sandy said. “I just can’t give you the words how grateful we are for our friends there.”
It is incredible that the scholarship is still around after so many years, Sandy said.
“She was in the band and did that sort of thing,” Kim said. “She played volleyball and basketball. We are just happy that there is something tangible like this to give money to for a good cause.”
The Lisa Koehler Memorial Golf Tournament will be on Sept. 5 at Ridgemark Golf Club at noon. For more information, call the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department at 636-4080 and ask for Det. Ed Nino or Det. Victor Casada.
