Houston Taff Honored at Seminole Boosters Golf Tournament
The Wakulla Seminole Boosters Houston Taff Scholarship Golf Tournament was recently held at the Wildwood Golf Course in Wakulla County. According to organizers, the annual event was a huge success, and participation was better than ever. Proceeds from the tournament go towards the funding of an FSU scholarship that is awarded to a deserving Wakulla High School athlete.
The tournament began at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start, with players finishing up the evening at the Bistro at Wildwood for hors d'oeuvres and festivities. The awards presentation was held at 6:00 p.m. with prizes awarded to the top three teams in each flight. A raffle and live auction were also held, including items such as a Henry Rifle, an FSU helmet signed by the FSU coaching staff, supper for two with Coach and Mrs. Bowden, a football autographed by Coach Bobby Bowden, and a framed and matted photo of Houston Taff with a monster alligator. This year's winners were:
1st Flight
1st Place: Ernie Jaworski Trucking
2nd Place: Bill Higdon
3rd Place: St. Marks Seafood
2nd Flight
1st Place: Dennett Rainey and LB Brooks
2nd Place: M of Tallahassee, Inc.
3rd Place: Team Seminole
3rd Flight
1st Place: Steve Brown
2nd Place: Thomas and Angelo Petrandis
3rd Place: Earl Boortz
After the awards presentation and auction, Sheriff David Harvey introduced FSU Coach Jimbo Fisher, who was the guest speaker for the evening. Fisher introduced newcomer Nigel Bradham, a former Wakulla High star linebacker, and Kendall Smith, from Bushnell, FL, who was named the top defensive newcomer at the FSU 2007 football awards banquet. Fisher then commented on the upcoming season, saying that the 2008 team has "a lot of youth, but a lot of athleticism, too." "I don't think there's a game on (the 2008) schedule that we can't win," said Fisher. "We are excited about the chances and what we've got going."
Fisher also noted that the goal for the near future is to build an indoor stadium at FSU. "Right now, if there's lightening within 15 miles of the stadium we can't go on the field," said Fisher. "Not having an indoor facility is effecting our winning and losing; it's effecting our preparation. Having an indoor facility will help with recruiting, and will give our players another resource to help them become first class."
The remainder of the evening was devoted to a special tribute to long-time Seminole Booster and Wakulla County native Houston Taff, who is currently fighting a battle with cancer. Taff's family was in attendance and looked on as friends shared stories about how Houston had touched their lives.
Sheriff David Harvey announced that the Seminole Booster Scholarship has been renamed the "Houston Taff Seminole Booster Scholarship" in honor of Taff's devotion and dedication to the Florida State University Seminole Booster's Association. Several guests spoke during the tribute, including Wally Dodson, Judge Jimmy Hankinson, Todd Fordham, and David Miller.
Dodson announced that the endowment of the scholarship will be an ongoing event, and then noted that former Wakulla High School linebacker and new FSU recruit Nigel Bradham will be the first recipient of the scholarship.
 Judge Jimmy Hankinson talked about spending time with Houston and his family, and spoke of Taff's "joy of life and joy of sharing". He talked about going fishing and hunting with Houston, and shared several humorous stories about past fishing trips. "Houston has a heart of gold but is tough," said Hankinson. "We will be back on the Ochlockonee River soon catching Red Bellies."
"I get to have the voice of so many players tonight," noted former FSU player Todd Fordham. "Houston has agreed to let ya'll use his name for this scholarship, but I think he actually started this scholarship about ten years ago and has been funding it all by himself," joked Fordham. Fordham described how Houston's home was always open to the FSU players. "Houston and his wife Beth were my mom and dad away from home. Beth always had time to put a warm meal on the table for us and Houston always made time to take us hunting and fishing."
An emotional Fordham told the crowd that Houston always told the boys to "Just get back in there and get to fighting. If you need me I'll come along and fight them with you." He then addressed Houston, saying, "Well, we're all in this fight with you, too."
David Miller, Superintendent of Wakulla County Schools, shared his memories of playing catcher on the high school baseball team coached by Houston. "Houston was the first and only coach in the history of Wakulla baseball to take a team to the final four," noted Miller. "We were so proud to be there and he convinced us we deserved to be there." Miller noted that Houston "taught us how to carry ourselves with class", and he attributed his success with the teams that he subsequently ended up coaching to the training that he received from Taff.
"I tried to teach my kids how to play and carry themselves with confidence," said Miller. "Houston always had confidence in me as a player and made me believe in myself. I'll never forget the lessons I learned from Houston Taff."
Miller then announced that a resolution to name the baseball diamond at Wakulla High School as the "Houston Taff Field" would be brought before the school board during the next school board meeting.
WHS Baseball Coach Mike Gauger then presented Dodson, Hankinson, Fordham and Taff with official War Eagles baseball caps.
The tribute ended with a round of applause and a standing ovation for Houston by all in attendance.
The event organizers would like to thank their corporate sponsors, including Wakulla Bank, Ameris Bank, Don and Pamela Ashley, Steve and Kathie Brown, Hunt Insurance Group, M of Tallahassee/Emory Mayfield, Thomas and Angelo Petrandis, Chris Plott, Dennett Rainey/LB Brooks, Bob and Peggy Wilcox, St. Marks Seafood, Crum's Mini Mall, and Jimmy Gouras.
Click here for a Wakulla.com Photo Gallery of the event.
Click here for a Photo Gallery by Hunter Tucker.
Pictured above:
Photo 1: Chad Bates, Jerry Kutz, Jimbo Fisher, Wendy Taff Jones, Tom Wheeler, Stan Shiver, and Bill Reagans
Photo 2: Kendall Smith and Nigel Bradham
Photo 3: Houston Taff and Family Members
Photo 4: Wally Dodson, Mike Gauger, Jimmie Hankinson, and Todd Fordham
Photo 5: David Miller and Houston Taff
Phot 6: Houston Taff receives a standing ovation.
This article originally published on May 7, 2008.
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