Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Lytle Head Golf Coach Arnold Martinez has put together quite the program on both the Pirate and Lady Pirate side of things.
Martinez stated that the programs have grown in record numbers, and the future is looking bright as district is right around the corner.
Martinez said about the district preview tournament held at Mission Del Lago Golf Course, “We had a great day as these ladies finished in 3rd place as a team even with 45 mile wind gusts. They ‘weathered’ through the morning and played inspiring golf. I am so proud of these girls for grinding out some very decent rounds!”
The Pirates fielded two complete teams in their preview tournament. Jordan Rodriguez’s personal-best 88 led Team Gold’s 391 total score followed by Isaac Boroquez 96, Daniel Herrera 99, Chris Jacques 108, and Kaden Stoddard 110.
Team Black was paced by Lee Mills and his sub-100 92 posting. Toby Stillions 103, Easton Burley 106, Domonick Ramirez 115, and Coltyn Dean 116 rounded out the 416 team-scoring effort.
Martinez looked back on the season in its entirety by sharing the following.
“Favorite bonding moment: Boys–we had a Uvalde trip and spent some time at Robb Elementary. It was real intense and bonded us. Had nothing to do with golf.
Girls–our morning breakfast and after tourney lunches. Get to know these girls on a different level.
Biggest strength on both sides is the team comradery. These golfers really like each other.
Under the radar players: Boys–Kaden Stoddard, he got the golf bug a year ago and has practiced a lot. It has paid off, he’s 20 strokes better than he was a year ago.
Girls–Yolette Laureano, she had never played and began by taking lessons from a golf pro and then started going to practice golf 3 to 4 days a week. She is probably the 2nd best golfer on our girls team.
One word to describe the program…… Satisfied. I am satisfied that these student athletes have learned enough in the program that they can play golf for a lifetime.”
It takes a group of people coming together to not only make a tournament happen but to make it run smoothly, and no one is more aware of that than Martinez.
“We hosted the 28-AAA District Preview as 15 teams participated. Staff, parents, and admin helped make today a success. Our boys represented our community with pride and our tourney got rave reviews, but we all know it takes a village. Special thx to AD Lori Wilson for incredible support, Coaches Caballero, Vela, Trevino and Ruiz, Ms. Jacques and Mr. and Mrs. Perez. And last but NOT LEAST, Ms. Ada, she’s the best!”
District 28-3A is back at Mission Del Lago on April 1, and it sounds as though Martinez likes his teams’ chances of extending their 2026 season with a trip to Regional on the line.