THE BARNESVILLE CONNECTION THIS FIRST weekend in August, a special Barnesville connection will happen in Minerva, Ohio at the Great Trail Golf Course. Twenty-four golfers, all who grew up in Barnesville, will come from far and near for their annual golf outing. The exclusive group started with only four guys -- Bill Finnical, Mike Crawford, Gary Hossman and Greg "Jake" Carpenter whose three Dyer uncles live in the area and suggested the foursome try this course. They had such a great time, they asked more with the Barnesville connection to join them the following year. Now the group has reached its limit of 24 and there's a waiting list! Anyone who misses the annual event -- and there are no acceptable excuses -- will automatically go to the bottom of the list. This is the group who attended last year, and all are expected to return for this 15-year anniversary. Front row: Jay Grear, Kim Powell, Roger Johnson, Tom Murphy, Larry Hannahs, Toby Hannahs, Todd Hannahs, Jeff Hunkler and Hungie Stephens. Back row: Gary Hannahs, Darren Carpenter, Denny Hoskinson, Jimmy Grear, Dale Hannahs, Greg "Jake" Hannahs, Jamie Carpenter, Bill Shumaker, Dave Hissom, Mike McKenzie, Matt Hissom and Matt McBride. A HISTORICAL marker at the entrance of the golf course tells the story of the Great Trail which was the name given to the main route between two French Forts, Duquesne and Detroit, in Colonial times. Greg "Jake" Carpenter and Mike Crawford are the two remaining originators of the event. "Jake" serves as tournament manager of the six, four-man teams. Great food and hospitality at the Normandy Inn, owned by good friend, the late Jerry Mills, is the traditional place for dinner every evening. Special friends, Steve and Cathy Fry, manage the 27-hole golf course which includes the club house that has an indoor swimming pool and also provides lodging, breakfast and lunch.
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