By Jimmy Villa

The Muleshoe boys and girls golf teams went in with little practice but still left Tulia’s golf tournament last week with several medals, including some gold.
“Being the first tournament of the year, you never know what to really expect, especially with very little practice,” said Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach Steven Butler. “Two of the guys played basketball Tuesday night in Friona then turned around and left at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning to play golf, with no official practice time, and ended up first and third.”
Senior Golfer Luke Leal won the tournament and took home a first place golf for the Mules after shooting a 91.
Sophomore Golfer Braden Shipman shot a 94. Shipman stayed close to teammate Leal and came home with a third place bronze medal.
Junior Ricky Diaz shot a 121.
Lady Mules golfers competed the next day and finished the tournament placing first as a team coming in one stroke over Slaton.
“The ladies were not satisfied with how district went last year and really wanted to work their way into contention,” said Butler. “They beat a very solid Slaton team that beat them by 42 strokes at district last year with the same girls as this year just like us. That in itself is a true testament to the ladies and their focus on becoming a contender. They did a fantastic job starting out the season like this.”
Each of the Lady Mules golfers shot personal best in non-golf friendly conditions.
Senior golfers Kierra Regalado and Natalie Diaz shot a 109 and both came in tied for third place. Senior Golfer Hailie Gardner shot a 113 and Senior Golfer Adriana Mora shot a 115.
“They did amazing even with the wind and cold they faced all day,” Butler said.
“We knew after the trip to regionals last year with the guys that we should have high expectations and these guys lived up to it this week.”
Butler later added: “It’s so much fun coaching such great young ladies and gentlemen. We have such high goals for each team and individual. Now it’s time to go reach them.”