On May 10, 2004, Gloucester City lost a good man – James “Zonk” Rodgers – at the young age of 44. It was especially sad for his four children, who had already lost their mother, Nancy.
Zonk enjoyed following Gloucester City sports and shooting darts, and also left behind many friends who cared about them.
Three of them were Bob Chew, Mike Kenney and Steve Cowgill. They wanted to help out the children, including Noel Rodgers, who was getting ready to start college.
“Noel graduated with the Gloucester City High School Class of 2004. At the funeral we decided we had to do something for the kids. They had nothing,” said Cowgill while getting ready for the 20th annual James “Zonk” Memorial softball game to raise money for college scholarships on Friday, May 10, at the Johnson Boulevard ballfield.
“Zonk went to Gloucester Catholic High School and his children went to Gloucester City High School,” said Kenney, pointing out that the game pits Rams alumni vs. Lions alumni in a fun game of softball with lots of joking, long home runs and enhanced memories of glory days.
The theme this year was “The Final Out,” as the players will be hanging up the spikes after a 20-year run that raised $60,000 and provided scholarships to students from both schools that were going away to college for their freshman year.
The first year the tournament raised $875, and we gave it to Noel,” Cowgill said. The second year raised $1,200, which went to a Gloucester Catholic graduate.
Kenney said that in 2006 they started giving scholarships to two students from each school every year.
“We set the record last year, raising $4,000, and this year we should raise close to $5,000. This is because of the support of local businesses who have their name printed on the back of the T-shirts as sponsors,” said Kenney, who was a bit sad about this being the last game.
After the final pitch on a fun Friday night, despite a slight drizzle and a sloppy field, Cowgill said, “Let me start by thanking all of our sponsors over the last 20 years. You people never failed us and without you this event would never have lasted. To the hundreds of people who played in the game over 20 years, thank you. It was great seeing you every year.
“A special thank you to Bob Chew and Michael Kenrod Kenney for helping with this event from the very beginning. To the Rodgers family, it was my pleasure to help with this event in Zonk’s name. I love you guys and I know you will keep this scholarship alive in Zonk’s name,” Cowgill said.
