The second annual SEMO Ice Bowl at Scott City Park was a cool experience for many participants in the disc golf tournament benefited the Southeast Missouri Food Bank. The event raised a grand total of $1,475.50 for the Southeast Missouri food bank, surpassing the original goal of $1,000 that was announced by tournament director Ronnie Colle.

The Southeast Missouri State University Disc Golf Club attended the event to show their support for the sport to benefit the cause. Patrick Hoffman, president of the SEMO Disc Golf Club, said it was a great way for inexperienced players to improve their game and socialize with other disc golfers in the community.

As promised by Colle, weather conditions did not stop the event from taking place. The blanket of snow and ice covering the course did not discourage players from attending and completing two full games. Sticking to their word "no wimps, no whiners" players managed to keep a positive attitude despite the weather conditions.

"It presents a whole new plethora of challenges to disc golf with," Hoffman said. "I actually had the best putting round, probably of my life. But a couple single holes I just couldn't find the basket on, and I ended up taking a one under for a total."

Paul Dickherber, official member of the SEMO Disc Golf Club, said that he gained better disc golfing skills by participating in the tournament.

"I've been playing disc golf since I was about 13," Dickherber said. "My brother started taking me with him, then I got hooked. I joined the club last semester. I love disc golf and seeing that the proceeds went to such a good cause really got me into the idea of playing. During the tournament I learned to control some of my shots a little better. I'll definitely be attending next year."

Participants competed in two 18-hole rounds and were divided into groups based on whether players registered for the professional or amateur division. There was an intermission between games for players to rest, eat pizza and prepare for the second game. Players took the opportunity at that time to buy disc golf discs and raffle tickets to win prizes. All of the proceeds were donated to the Southeast Missouri Food Bank.

"This is a great way to get the club members out in the community and experience the new course, experience the new people," Hoffman said. "The best way to learn is to watch better people play."