EDWARDSVILLE - Retired Hall of Fame high school football coach Dave Jacobs is applying the same program-building approach that shaped teams in New Berlin, Illiopolis, Rochester, Champaign Central, Jersey, and Alton as manager of the On the Hill Golf Course at American Legion Post 199 in Edwardsville, where leaders say they want to serve veterans better and bring more of the community onto the property.
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Jacobs, serving as golf course director, said the effort began with a desire to serve veterans, and that the post is focused on building with supportive leadership, a clear vision, and the right staff in place.
The On The Hill Golf Course at the American Legion Post 199 has undergone a tremendous revitalization under the leadership of Jacobs and Park Board President Denise Elzie.
One frequent patron of the On The Hill Golf Course is another Hall of Fame football coach - Jeff Alderman, known for his time at Alton High School as a football coach and athletic director. He said he loves his time out on the beautiful course with many of his friends.
“We are a diamond in the rough in Edwardsville,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs also pointed out that Elzie is the recently second female post commander in waiting, as part of the supportive administration he sees as essential. Elzie will become commander of the post in August 2026. Jacobs also said having a plan and vision is critical, along with hiring the right people.
Among those he highlighted were Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville wrestlers Brad Gillum, Gage Murphy and Hayden Trezek, as well as longtime crew member and veteran Chris Andrews and mechanic Tony Reed.
“Some of my best defenses in football had wrestlers on them,” Jacobs said of Gillum, Murphy, and Trezek. He described them as “hard, tireless workers that are disciplined, caring, and willing to serve veterans.”
Jacobs said the course and post offer golf, food, and drink specials, a Friday couples day league, a Wednesday ladies day, Fourth of July fireworks, and events in the banquet hall.
“Great things are happening here, and we want to share with the public,” Jacobs said.
“If you're looking for an inexpensive and relaxing time with family and friends and a great way to serve our veterans, please come check us out,” he said.
Elzie said the golf course is expanding its programming, including a couples league starting next Friday, women’s day activities, college day, a college league, and a junior league for young people in middle school and high school.
“The junior golf league is important,” Elzie said, adding that it gives high school-age students something they can enjoy and that expanding in that direction is good for the community. She said the nonprofit’s work “goes right back to community.”
She also said the post is preparing for a free Fourth of July event in partnership with the city of Edwardsville and the American Legion.
“We make sure that day happens successfully,” Elzie said, noting that donations this year are helping make the event possible.
Looking ahead, Elzie said the post’s primary focus will be "identifying innovative ways to enhance our programming and better serve the veteran community. Concurrently, we will be undertaking essential updates and ongoing maintenance for our property. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our operations. I am confident that by working together, we can achieve these important goals."
She also said leaders are looking at programs for veterans with disabilities and ways to connect older and younger veterans.
“We are looking at building programs geared toward veterans with disabilities, looking for different programs to bridge gaps between older and younger veterans with disabilities and build a bridge with them,” Elzie said.
Elzie said Links to Freedom is helping the post explore ways to support veterans with disabilities through golf, therapy, and camaraderie.
“Doctors asking patients to come out as a therapy,” she said, adding that the post is considering how such a model could be established locally.
Bartender Kellie Hoffman at the Edwardsville American Legion said she loves working there and there are always "amazing stories" from all the veterans. She also said she looks forward to the Fourth of July Celebration at the post.
Elzie said the property has been in place for 100 years and has been maintained by a volunteer-run organization during that time. She said the post is now looking at professional guidance as it considers the future of the American Legion property.
“We are looking to expand, update, and take a look at how to make the property better to serve veterans better,” Elzie said.
Jacobs said there is strong interest in the post’s future and in keeping it open for years to come.
“We have a bunch of people who want to see us go forward and succeed,” Jacobs said. “We want to stay open another 100 years.”
