By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CALERA – The greens and tees of Timberline Golf Course were kept busy with 15 golfing teams raising money for Special Equestrian’s 2011 Celebrity Golf Tournament Oct. 6.

“We have beautiful weather, and Timberline is a great course,” said Special Equestrians Director Kathleen Claybrook. “The celebrities are having a blast.”

The celebrities featured at the tournament consisted of former college and professional football players and track and field athletes, including Bobby Humphrey as the celebrity host.

President of Special Equestrian’s board of directors Greg Powell owns Fi-Plan Partners and co-sponsored the golf tournament with Greg Smith of Stanley Steemer.

“I have a daughter in the program,” Powell said, “and it’s made a huge difference for her. There’s a rippling effect on all who participate.”

Kermit Kendrick played for the Crimson Tide from 1985-88 and spent his morning golfing in Calera.

“My buddies tell me every year I have to play in this tournament,” Kendrick said. “Being able to ride horses for these kids is so great. My college roommate, Bobby Humphrey, asked me to play.”

The Lemak Sports Medicine team took home the first place prize of Callaway Diablo Edge Drivers. The team was made up of Justin Rolling, Charlie Griffin, Greg Crutcher and two celebrity players, Thomas Rayam and Terry Daniel.

The Stanley Steemer team consisting of Greg Smith, Blake Berry, Nik McCrimmon, Dennis Gilley and three-time Olympian Mark Everett won second place. Third place was taken by Scott Watkins, Michael Burch, Heath Hill, Harry Watkins and Mike Dubberly of Fox6 Sports.

The tournament included ribs and chicken from Southern Legacy in Hoover and pasta from Nino’s Italian Restaurant in Pelham. A silent auction held autographed sports memorabilia, golf clubs and other items from local businesses.

Special Equestrians, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding activities and therapies to individuals with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities, according to the organization’s website. For more information, visit Specialequest.org.