AUTISM AWARENESS GROUP TOURNEY, A SUCCESS...

With a lot of work, enthusiasm, support and help from Juanita & Inez Mazon, Mary Linden Meyer and other parents and friends, Jonathan & Cassandra Romero did a fantastic job in the first ever Autism Awareness Golf Tournament. The group's hard work paid off by drawing 18 teams (71 players) and raised over $7,000 in donations.

The tournament recognized the top six teams (3 gross and 3 net), and the results were as follow: 1st (1st Gross - 59): Andrew Dominguez, Dominic Ferrari, Michael Sanchez & Jason Gomez; 2nd (1st Net - 57.3): Andrew Blanco, Chris Saucedo, Jim Aubrey & Ruben Sanchez; 3rd (2nd Gross - 62): Clarence Peterson, Olsen Arviso, Orville Arviso & Scott Hamilton; 4th (2nd Net - 57.4): Donnie Good, Paul Acosta, Richard Madrid & Tommy Pino; 5th (3rd gross - 62): Calvin Castillo, Calvin Begay, Marcus Tulley & Tom Chee, and in 6th Place (3rd Net - 57.5): Dale Lovato, Eric Lovato, Paul Saucedo & Steven Aragones. Also with 62, but third in the tie breaker among those teams with 62's was the team of Gary Leloff, David Haynes, Dave Hill & Angelo Pomponi.

After the event, there were many drawings and a raffle that included a grand prize of $500.oo won by Andrew Blanco (any invitations for dinner to your friends buddy?).

However, the highlight of the day, at least for me, during such a busy day, was actually not on the course, it was the presence of an 18 year old volunteer at the pro shop. Patrick Lucero, is not a golfer, but he is a BIG basketball fan, and I mean, "die hard" fan. His favorite team, the Phoenix Suns, were playing in the opening game of the NBA playoffs. You have not seen someone this young as passionate -and knowledgeable- at something as this young man is towards basketball! And all though his team lost, you sensed the passion for the game above the passion for his team... it is always enjoyable and comforting to see a young person be so passionate at any sport.... maybe he should try golf!!

Keep it up!!... everybody!! - and of course: CONGRATULATIONS!!