SPORTS BRIEFS: Westover’s Ochie signs with Benedict football

Ochie goes with Benedict

Westover defensive end Ikenine Ochie signed Tuesday with Benedict’s football program.

Ochie, an honorable mention Albany Herald All-Area Team selection, had 37 tackles last season. He also was a member of Westover’s GHSA Region 1-4A championship basketball team.

At Benedict, Ochie plans to major in biology.

Ace, low round posted at Doublegate

A pair of golfers recorded significant accomplishments last week at Doublegate Country Club.

Thursday, Troy Puckett, 85, beat his age with a round of 83.

Friday, Tom Pate recorded a hole-in-one on the second hole from 156 yards with a 4-hybrid.

Knights of Columbus hosting golf tournament

The 21st annual Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament will take place April 7 at Griffin Bell Golf Course in Americus.

The four-player scramble is scheduled for an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $60 per person, which includes cart, greens fee, lunch and drinks. Teams registered prior to March 31 will be able to enter four golfers for the price of three.

A silent auction featuring a football autographed by Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart will take place alongside the tournament.

For more information, contact Ron Akerman at (229) 942-1653 or Griffin Bell Golf Course at (229) 924-2914.

Thomas to retire coach’s jersey

Thomas University will retire former baseball head coach Mike Lee’s No. 54 jersey April 21 at the final home game of the season.

In a pregame ceremony, the department of athletics will unveil a sign saluting No. 54, which will hang on the outfield fence at Varnedoe Stadium. Lee will throw out the first pitch surrounded by his family, university administration, alumni and special guests. Fans are invited to meet and greet with Coach Lee at a barbecue down the third-base line.

Lee was the skipper of the Night Hawks for 21 seasons, from 1996-2017, and is now the athletics director at Thomas. Lee compiled a record of 491-496-2, which, at the time of his retirement, was ranked 33rd on the NAIA’s all-time wins list among active coaches.