Community is Central: The Central Gwinnett High School football team's golf tournament provides support for student-athletes and beyond

With Spring in full swing, it usually means more time outdoors. And one recreational outdoor activity which a number of people partake of is golf.

Time on the links is more than just the friendly competition and networking while enjoying a few hours outdoors. It can be an opportunity for community engagement and more, as is the case on April 22, 2025.

The Central Gwinnett High School Football Team is hosting its golf tournament at the Olde Atlanta Golf Club in Suwanee, GA, but it's not just your typical tournament. Under the leadership of Head Coach Terrance Banks, it's a way to provide support to the team as well as student-athletics across the board.

With a 20-plus year career in education along with being a member of civic organizations including (but not limited to) the 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta and the Loganville-Conyers Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Coach Banks is entering his 21st year of coaching football, including his 12th as a head coach. He shares the importance of the golf tournament as while it does support the team, it supports multiple teams within the school's athletic department, and not just on the field.

In fact, the academic performance of the high school's student-athletes is higher than that of the overall school average by 5 academic points.

Golfers, businesses, and patrons overall are invited to be a part of the day's events. Registration starts at 9am and play starts at 10am. There are opportunities for players to register as individuals ($125 per person) or in teams of four ($500). And with sponsor opportunities starting at $250, it allows for businesses and related entities across the board to be a part of the tournament. To learn more about the tournament along with support and engagement opportunities, you may connect with the team on their Instagram (along with related social media platforms) or with Coach Banks directly via his email (terrance.banks@gapsk12.org) or calling 404-606-5401.

As he notes, the school needs the community, and the community needs the school.

And community is Central.

Notes: You may watch the full interview and all segments on our playlist (click HERE).