John Bagwell Memorial Furman-Citadel Softball Challenge

The John Bagwell Memorial Furman-Citadel Softball Challenge was started by the football class of '87. They decided to get together for a reunion in Charleston in June 2001.  We challenged the Citadel Football Alumni Association (CFAA) to a softball challenge match.  They rose to the occasion.  In June 2001, we began the first of now five softball challenges.
 
John Bagwell, Furman class of 1989, was an outstanding running back at Furman and helped Furman win the 1988 National Championship. He was from Charleston and was Head Football Coach of Fort Dorchester High School in Charleston. John passed away in December 2002. The tournament was re-named in honor of John.  He was the pitcher on the Furman softball team, and the Citadel gang was fond of John.  Each player contributes a small amount of money at the beginning of the tourney, and a certain portion is donated to the FFPA, for use towards video equipment, in honor of John with each respective football alumni association keeping some proceeds as well.  Unfortunately, we have not won any of the five tournaments in score, but we have won unbelievable memories and rekindled many friendships.  Over the last couple of years, we have expanded to roster to other football classes at Furman.

The 2005 challenge was held on October 14th, prior to the Furman-Citadel football game. For more information call Mike Wilson at 864-370-5144 or e-mail (go_paladins@hotmail.com).

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