Golfers Battle the Elements
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News ~~ 3-22-05

The Monahans Lobo Boys Golf Team competed at the Seminole Tournament, battling South Plains weather conditions and a talented field of competition.

The Loboes were forced to wait another day before taking the course in Seminole Thursday.  Strong winds replaced snow that covered the area earlier in the week.  Fighting through harsh conditions, Monahans finished the day in seventh place in a field of nineteen teams.

"The conditions were pretty rough.  The winds blew up to 40 mph, and the course played pretty tough," Coach David Burnett said.

Tournament host Seminole walked away with the team title recording a 322.  Midland Trinity finished with the score of 334 as the runner up, and the Odessa Permian JV shot a 336 to place third.  Three teams tied with a score of 338, just one stroke in front of the Loboes at 339.  Coach Barnett added, "We were not ready for the fast greens they have the Seminole.  I'm really glad we had the opportunity to play there before District competition later in the year."

Victor Calzada lead the Loboes with a very good score of 79, followed by JW Burnett and Joe Joe Birdwell at 85.  Shelton Burnett rounded out the team scoring with a 90.  Chad Gray played the fifth spot this week and carded a 96.

"I have been extremely proud of the play of Victor Calzada.  He has been the most consistent player for us this year," said Burnett.  "Victor works extremely hard on his game, and so far it has paid off for him."

The Loboes are back to work Thursday at the Lamesa Varsity Invitational Tournament in Lamesa, Texas.

This will be the last Tournament before District play begins April 1.