The Truckee Football Foundation is set to host the much-anticipated Bob Shaffer Memorial Golf Tournament this summer at Northstar Golf Course on Friday, June 13, proving once again that honoring legacy and community spirit can bring people together for a noble cause.
This year’s event marks the seventh iteration of the tournament, which originated in 2017 to commemorate the legendary Truckee coach Bob Shaffer following his passing. Known for his remarkable coaching ability, Shaffer led the Wolverines to a stunning 170 wins and nine state championships during his 18-year tenure.
“He had a unique talent for transforming a group of kids, regardless of their physical attributes, into All-State players,” stated his son, Bobby Shaffer, who is now treasurer of the foundation. “His greatest gift was his genuine care for everyone, which truly had the power to change lives.”
The impact of Bob Shaffer’s legacy extends beyond the football field. Board Secretary Amy Macosko noted, “Bob made it his mission to eliminate financial barriers for athletes wanting to play football in Truckee. He understood the significance of cultivating off-field attributes such as confidence and resilience.”
Current Head Coach Josh Ivens expressed how the tournament continues to serve as an essential gathering for the football community. “Bob Shaffer’s influence permeated various levels of the Truckee community,” Ivens remarked. “Many past players and coaches join the tournament, as do students whose lives were touched while he taught at Truckee High. His legacy is felt every day throughout the program and the school.”
Coinciding with Northstar’s opening day, this year’s tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The festivities will culminate in a community happy hour on the clubhouse deck. Athletes, families, and supporters can look forward to exciting raffle prizes and live auction items, including a Martis Camp foursome with a golf pro, tickets to a Dave Matthews Band concert, and a sideline experience at a Truckee game.
Local photographer Court Leve will be documenting the day’s celebrations, capturing the essence of togetherness that the event embodies.
“It feels like a big family reunion,” Bobby said. “People from the ’90s to present come together for this event. That was my dad’s philosophy—family was everything.”
The funds raised from the tournament aim to cover essential year-round needs like safety equipment and nutrition for student-athletes. Additionally, this year’s event is particularly significant as it contributes to a long-desired team trip to Hawaii.
The Wolverines are slated to kick off their season on August 11 with a game in Kona against a local high school team. While it is indeed a regulation game that counts toward their record, the trip promises a wealth of enriching experiences beyond competitive play.
“This is a legitimate game—but the focus will be on Hawaii as a whole, not just the game itself,” board member Dane Kane explained. Players will engage in daily practices, explore the island’s breathtaking volcanoes and waterfalls, and partake in cultural exchanges, including a pre-game luau and a post-game dinner hosted by the Hawaiian team.
“Planning for this trip has been in the pipeline for approximately six years. What once felt like a distant dream is now nearing fruition,” Coach Ivens expressed. He acknowledged that while the trip comes with significant costs, it will be an invaluable experience. To mitigate financial challenges, they are diligently working to raise additional funds to assist families who are unable to cover the entire cost of the trip.
Foundation president Brent Collinson underscored the commitment that no player would be left behind. “For many of these kids, this opportunity to visit Hawaii may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” he said. “If not all players can go, then we believe none should go.”
To support this mission, the foundation is calling on community members to contribute. Donations have already poured in from groups such as Sierra Bible Church, Stone’s Tire, the Optimist Club, the Rotary Club, Truckee Boosters, and numerous anonymous donors.
“Coach Shaffer may not have welcomed the spotlight,” Bobby commented. “However, this event truly encapsulates what he valued most—teamwork, humility, and mutual belief. That spirit continues to thrive today.”
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