Maryfer Martinez qualifies for state golf tournament
The Lady Horns golf team turned in one of its strongest performances in recent years at the regional tournament held this week at the Maxwell Course in Abilene, finishing 8th overall with a team total score of 869. Leading the charge was senior Maryfer Martinez, who earned an individual berth to the UIL State Golf Championships and will proudly represent Marfa at this year’s state tournament.
Martinez, who has consistently been the team’s top performer throughout the season, shot an 89 in Round 1 and a 95 in Round 2, finishing with a combined score of 184 to secure her medalist qualification for state.
Teammates Loretta Rivera (217), Ava Flores (225), Amaya Gomez (243), and Dariela Munoz (285) also contributed solid scores, helping the Lady Horns earn a top-10 finish in a highly competitive regional field.
Under the leadership of head coach Curtis Pittman, the Marfa golf program has made remarkable progress, with Martinez becoming the third player to qualify for state during Pittman’s five-year tenure. Coach Pittman expressed pride in Martinez’s achievement, as well as in the efforts of seniors Loretta Rivera and Diego Jurado, recognizing their four years of hard work and dedication to the sport.
“What’s truly inspiring about Maryfer and Loretta’s accomplishments is that they didn’t grow up around the game or have regular access to golf facilities,” Pittman said. “Oftentimes the sport is learned from friends and family. These young ladies didn’t have that background when they entered the sport they developed their skills through sheer determination, perseverance, and a desire to learn and that has led to the opportunity to compete at the state championship. That kind of commitment is rare and deserves to be celebrated.”
Martinez will now set her sights on the UIL State Tournament, scheduled for April 28–29, 2025, in Leander, Texas. A practice round will be held on April 27, with official tee times to be announced soon.
Marfa track & field heads to regionals with state hopes in sight
Marfa High School’s track team is gearing up for regionals this week, with several standout athletes and relay teams eyeing a spot at the UIL state track meet. After a season of hard work, grit, and steady improvement, the Shorthorns are ready to make their mark on the big stage.
The Lady Horns relay squads continue to impress, taking 1st place in both the 4x200m (Itzel Urrutia, Madison Cash, Raven Martinez, and Zoey Salgado) and 4x400m relays (Itzel Urrutia, Madison Cash, Ava Flores, and Zoey Salgado) and earning 2nd place in the 4x100m (Itzel Urrutia, Madison Cash, Ava Flores, and Zoey Salgado) at the area meet. Their consistent dominance has made them a force to watch going into regionals.
On the boys side, the 4x400m relay team (Austin McGary, Alex Rodriguez, Abelardo Marquez and JoSaul Baeza) has qualified for regionals for the first time since 2015 — a huge accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and teamwork.
Francisco Rosas, building on his success from last season, advanced once again after placing 2nd in both the 1600m and 3200m. With state within reach, Rosas is preparing to leave it all on the track in his final year.
Ayden Alvarez has been hitting new personal records each week. He placed 2nd in both shot put and discus at area and is currently ranked 3rd in the region for shot put, putting him firmly in contention for a state appearance.
Freshman Alyssa Harden has also shown tremendous potential, placing 4th in the 1600m and advancing to regionals in her first year of competition — a promising start to what looks like a bright future.
Head track coach Aaron Luna said in a recent interview, “I’m incredibly proud of these athletes. They’ve worked so hard all season and trusted the process. It’s exciting to watch them compete at this level, and I’m hopeful that some will make it all the way to state. No matter the outcome, their effort, attitude, and dedication have already made this a season to remember.”
The regional meet is the final step before the state championships, and Marfa’s track athletes are ready to rise to the challenge. The regional track meet schedule on MISD’s social media and website.
Junior High softball and baseball teams will host Van Horn and Fort Davis Thursday at 4 and 5:30 p.m. at Coffield Park.
