Former Newton running back Rod Belcher is making tremendous strides during his freshman year at Wittenberg University.

On Saturday, Belcher helped his Tigers (3-1 overall, 1-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) defeat the College of Wooster 58-7 by rushing for a game-high 131 yards on 12 carries, including one touchdown.

In fact, Belcher scored on an 81-yard run during the first quarter, which was just his second rushing attempt of his collegiate career. He also had a 15-yard kickoff return against the Fighting Scots.

Overall, Belcher has 13 carries for 137 yards (10.5 YPC) this season.

Last year, Belcher led the Newton Rams with 1,173 rushing yards on 180 attempts and 11 touchdowns. Based on his performance, he was selected to the 2006 All-County Football Team.

Wittenberg will next visit Earlham College on Saturday.

GOLF

The first ever Lady Eagle Golf Tournament will be held at noon Friday at Hickory Hills Golf Course in Jackson.

The event, a four-person scramble, is to benefit the Eastside High School girls basketball and softball programs.

"I think that it will be a fun tournament for everybody," said Eastside girls basketball head coach Jason Grooms. "All of the money raised will go directly to (these) programs for new uniforms and equipment."

Registration begins at noon, while a fried chicken lunch will be served at the same time followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

The cost is $200 per team, or $50 per person. It includes 18 holes of golf, a riding cart, lunch and awards. Golf attire is required (collared shirts and slacks). Hole sponsorships are available for $100.

For more information about the Lady Eagle Golf Tournament, contact Coach Grooms at (404) 217-5742.