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Kevin Sport, a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and Conecuh Sausage brand representative, returned to his home turf on June 12 to participate in an annual golf tournament renamed last year in honor of his uncle, Charles M. Sport. The event, which raises, funds for youth athletics, is a long-standing tradition in the community.

“This tournament has been going on for years. I mean, a long time. It was designed to raise money for the quarterback club sports program,” Kevin said. “We have family in Greenville, Luverne, Andalusia. Anytime you get to come be a part of anything where you grew up and where you spent a lot of your time, it’s special.”

Kevin highlighted the significance of the event being named after his uncle.

“I’m excited to be there. I mean, it’s a privilege to see it named after one of my uncles for the service that he’s done all these years,” Kevin said. “He gives all the credit to other people, of course, because it couldn’t happen with just one person. But it’s special. He’s had a long life and I hope he lives to be 100.”

In addition to participating in the tournament, Kevin set up a grill and served biscuits and Conecuh Sausage for everyone in attendance.

“I always say, Conecuh is one of the jewels of Alabama. I mean, it’s a family-owned business and they just have such a unique flavor in their sausage. They have their own fan clubs,” Kevin said. “I wrote a jingle called ‘Get Your Grill On’ for Conecuh Sausage and it was a hit. I wound up doing events for them. I mean, who doesn’t like to come together and enjoy good food and have a good time?”

Charles M. Sport, the tournament’s namesake, who will soon turn 95 years old, was in attendance and reflected on the event’s impact. 

“This tournament has been a fundraiser for probably the past 35 years for the Athletic Club. It’s always nice to come out here and see a lot of these folks that come back year after year,” Charles said. “The schools are trying to have all these athletic programs and it’s a big financial burden on them. There’s so much that people don’t realize about the cost of athletic teams.”

Charles also shared his long-standing dedication to Luverne High School. 

“Out of my lifetime, I have given between 75 and 80 years to Luverne High School. Either as a student, teacher, coach, principal or supporter,” Charles said.  “So it’s good to see these people and the support they give.”

County Commissioner Merrill Sport, Charles’s son, expressed his pride in his father’s legacy.

“I’m a Luverne Tiger alumni, and this tournament is being named after my dad,” Merrill said. “It’s really an honor. Everybody knows that he’s a tiger for life.”