More than 80 participants raised $21,450 for Western Nevada Community College's baseball team in a recent Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament at the Peppermill Hotel-Casino in Reno.
Ken Bartlett of Bartlett Architecture in Reno won the top prize, a one-year membership at Red Hawk Golf Course, a $4,000 value, along with $1,000 in cash.
"Assistant baseball coach Dennis Banks deserves credit for organizing a great tournament," WNCC coach D.J. Whittemore said. "We are thankful so many people in the community are interested in supporting our team. These funds will allow us to play some of the top teams in the nation during our non-conference season."
Most of the funds will go toward the team's travel budget for next year. The Wildcats begin the 2007 season with a January 26 doubleheader against Arizona schools Cochise Community College and Yavapai Community College, to be played in Henderson. The Wildcats' first home game is Sunday, Feb. 18.
This was the second annual poker tournament that benefitted the baseball program. Last year's tournament raised more than $15,000.
For a full schedule, baseball team roster with photos, and 2006 season stats, visit www.wncc.edu/athletics/baseball.