Third annual coach Higgins Golf Tournament brings Hornets back to Emporia

EMPORIA (KSNT) –The Emporia State football family was back together on Friday— not on the gridiron, but on the golf course.

Dozens of former Hornet players returned to town for the third annual Coach Garin Higgins Golf Tournament.

Held at the Emporia Golf Course, the event gave players a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and compete for a trophy — this time with a driver, not a football.

“It’s a great feeling being around these guys again,” Higgins told 27 News. “We’ve shared so many memories over the years — good and bad — and just seeing where life has taken them now is something special.”

One of the players in the field was former ESU wide receiver Tyler Kahmann, who recently signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.

Friday's tournament marked his final day in town before reporting to his first NFL training camp.

“This is the perfect way to head out,” Kahmann said. “Being around Coach Higgins and the guys one more time before camp — it means a lot. These are the people who helped shape me.”

Kahmann brought in 100 receptions, 1,488 yards, and 20 touchdowns in 2024. He was named a Division-II All-American and was a team captain in 2024, along with setting records for catches, yards, and touchdowns.

The tournament has quickly become a summer tradition in Emporia, blending friendly competition with deep-rooted football bonds. 

"Our first year we had 10 ten teams, last year we had 11, and this year we're at 15," Higgins said. "It's good to see the guys and play a round of golf."