LEWISTOWN — Nearly a quarter-century after Randy Zook’s death, his presence is still felt each summer at the Lewistown Country Club in Lewistown.

Friends, former teammates, coaches, family members and community supporters gather not only for a round of golf, but to celebrate the life of a young man whose impact continues to be measured through the students who receive scholarships in his name.

The 2026 Randy Zook Scholarship Golf Open will be held on Saturday, July 25, at the country club, with a shotgun start scheduled for 1 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament support the Randy Zook Scholarship Trust, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate the sportsmanship, work ethic and character that Zook displayed throughout his athletic career.

For many who return year after year, the tournament has become more than a fundraiser. It is a reunion, a remembrance, and a testament to the lasting effect one person can have on a community.

“I think he’d be very proud of how it’s grown and what it’s become,” said Travis Zook, who spoke of behalf of the Zook family and has been involved with the scholarship program since its inception in 2002. “He was a very community-oriented kid. The golf tournament brings everybody together.”

A 1996 Indian Valley High School graduate, Randy died of cancer in 2002. In the difficult days that followed, family members, friends and former coaches searched for a way to honor his memory. What emerged was a scholarship fund that reflected the qualities they remembered most about him.

Over the years, that effort has steadily expanded.

“When we started this scholarship back in 2002, we gave out one award, this year the Zook family gave out six awards,” longtime coach and tournament organizer Brian Heckert said of the recent scholarship presentations.

Today, the trust awards $5,000 to $7,500 annually to graduating student-athletes pursuing higher education.

“It’s determined by how well the tournament does each year,” Travis said.

The scholarship itself has evolved significantly from its early years. Initially, awards were limited to football players, reflecting Randy’s passion for the game and the sport in which he excelled.

“At first it was just for football players, but since then we’ve expanded out,” Travis said.

The trust now accepts applications from any graduating senior who participated in a PIAA sport and plans to continue their education in college. This year’s applicant pool included 18 student-athletes.

Organizers also expanded the program this year by creating a new $500 scholarship for a Mifflin County senior who participated in the Lezzer Lumber Classic. Nathan Riden received the inaugural award.

The continued growth of the scholarship trust mirrors the impact Randy made during his lifetime. A standout lineman at Indian Valley High School, he earned Mountain League honors before continuing his football career at Susquehanna University. There, he became a three-year starter, earned first-team All-Middle Atlantic Conference honors and served as team captain. His achievements later earned him induction into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame, and the school’s football Most Valuable Player Award now bears his name.

Yet those closest to him often point to something beyond statistics and accolades.

The annual golf tournament thrives because of the relationships Randy built and the impression he left on those around him. Many participants return every summer because they remember Randy personally. Others participate because they’ve heard the stories and want to support the next generation of student-athletes.

“Randy’s friends and family and local businesses have been very supportive,” Travis said.

That support has sustained the scholarship fund for nearly 24 years and helped create opportunities for students throughout the Juniata Valley. Last year alone, six Mifflin County High School student-athletes received scholarships through the trust.

The tournament remains the organization’s sole fundraiser, making community participation critical to its success. Golfers fill foursomes, businesses sponsor holes and volunteers help organize the event, all with the shared goal of preserving Randy’s legacy.

For many attendees, however, the most meaningful part of the day comes between shots, when old stories are exchanged and memories are shared. Former teammates talk about Friday nights under the lights. Coaches remember a hardworking player who led by example. Family members see the impact of a legacy that continues to grow.

Nearly 24 years after his passing, Randy’s name still brings people together.

And every scholarship awarded, every golfer who signs up and every supporter who contributes helps ensure that the values he represented — hard work, sportsmanship and service to others–continue to live on through a new generation of student-athletes.

For more information about the Randy Zook Trust, find it on Facebook or call (717) 935-2334, (717) 250-8822 or (717) 350-8401.