The Rudolph G. Dinvaut Athletic Foundation Golf Tournament drew a host golfers and other supporters as it celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 16.

The event, held annually at Belle Terre Country Club, is a fundraiser by the Rudolph G. Dinvaut Athletic Foundation that benefits West St. John High School athletics. Money raised will be used to fund the foundation’s scholarships, with the rest going to the West St. John High athletic department.

In addition to golfers, the event drew community leaders and former West St. John High School students and staff.

“West St. John is my alma mater,” said Atlanta Falcons defensive end Tyson Jackson, a sponsor of the tournament. “It’s important for me to be here to show the community that, no matter what, you have to remember where you come from.”

His former coach at West St. John, Laury Dupont, was instrumental in getting the tournament off the ground 10 years ago.

“When it started 10 years ago it was just a vision, and I was one of the few who got to see it from the beginning to its success,” he said. “It’s a great cause. Rudolph Dinvaut was an icon in the River Parishes.”

Dinvaut was a principal and accomplished coach at West St. John High School, leading the school to back-to-back state championships. He was also known as an avid supporter of both the school and the community.

Bonnie Dinvaut-Irving, Dinvaut’s daughter as well as an employee of the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District, said nearly 200 golfers participated in this year’s event.

“The golfers have fun. This is a fun event,” she said. 

“But, all in all, people loved my father and they want to give back to West St. John High and the kids.”

Dr. Eric Jones, a New Orleans resident who said he has participated in the tournament for the past four or five years, called the tournament the best in the region.

“The golfers are happy and excited,” he said. “I’ll do it as long as I can. I love this.”