Alumnus Grant Tefft Awarded Paul Szymanski Spirit Award Scholarship
Central Catholic alumnus Grant Tefft (Class of 2023) was recently awarded the Paul Szymanski Spirit Award Scholarship. Tefft was selected by a committee which included a member of the Paul Szymanski family, as well as several Toledo Junior Golf Association board members. This endowed fund provides a $5,000 post-secondary education scholarship.
Tefft, who will be a freshman at Miami University this fall, was a 2-time 2nd-team All-TRAC recipient. He advanced to the state championship in 2022, becoming the 1st boys’ golfer to qualify for the state tourney since 2017. Tefft was also a 3-time academic all-league honoree.
The Toledo Junior Golf Association created the Spirit Award to honor the TJGA member who embodies Paul Szymanski’s love of life as well as the game of golf yet may have dealt with an obstacle in their life. Paul was the president of the TJGA from 1998–2001 and a board member until 2009.
Paul was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1995 yet never allowed his medical condition to dampen his love and commitment for junior golf. Although his condition was deteriorating, Paul still played in the 2010 Chili Open which benefited the Toledo Junior Golf Association. Paul Szymanski passed away on July 3, 2010.
