OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RIO GRANDE GCSA December 2014 President s Message Hello Everyone!!! President Joe Dosstter Vice President Caleb Buckley Secretary / Treasurer Ron Borunda Board of Directors: Jeff Gates (Past Pres.) Robert Gonzales Mark Hanson Jake Villareal Mike Furgerson Vendor Representative Clay Guck Executive Director John King GCSAA Field Rep Brian Cloud I hope everyone is doing well and are able to take some time off away from work and spend it with family and friends. I welcome the cooler weather and enjoy the change of pace that comes with winter in our area. This will be my last letter as President of the Rio Grande Superintendents Association. It has been an honor to serve our organization the last two years. The RGGCSA has seen several changes over the last two years and I am proud of everything our board members and executive director have done to make the RGGCSA what it is today. I am confident that Caleb Buckley will be a great President for our organization. I would like to thank the RGGCSA Board of Directors for their support and welcome our new directors to the board. I would also like to thank John King for all his hard work as executive director this past year. John does a lot of work behind the scenes and the RGGCSA would not be where it is today without John. Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting at Isleta Eagle Golf Course. Thanks to Caleb and all the Isleta staff for hosting the meeting. It was great to tour the Arroyo Nine and see the greens renovation project that Caleb and his staff are working on. The course was in great shape and the weather cooperated for most of the day. The next RGGCSA meeting will be on Monday January 19th at New Mexico State University Golf Course in Las Cruces, NM. I would like to thank Karl Olsen and his staff for hosting the next meeting. Please check the RGGCSA website for more information on this meeting. In closing, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season. I hope everyone gets time away from work to spend with family and friends. I hope to see you all at NMSU on January the 19th. Thank you, Joe Dosstter RGGCSA President
Golf Tournament Results Isleta Eagle Golf Course October 20, 2014 Tournament Champions L to R: Mike Furgerson, Laurie Meredith, Matt Alcala and Steve Hooper (not pictured) 2nd Place Team Left to Right: Jace Rivera, John King, Ross Trujillo and Matt Dusenbery 3rd Place Team Left to Right: Anthony Garcia, John Mondragon, Paul Kerr, Henry Martinez and Ryan Goss
HOLE PRIZE WINNERS CTP Lakes #4 Jace Rivera drives the green to win his CTP CTP Mesa #4 Ryan Goss shows that he has knowledge and skills on the golf course Long Drive Winners Mesa #8 - Paul Kerr, Lakes #7 Jace Rivera CTP Lakes #6 Mike Furgerson hits one tight to earn his prize Thank You Hole Prize Sponsors Mountain West Golfscapes Plant Nutrient Solutions Helena Chemical Simpson Norton CTP Mesa #6 Dan Turnham hits a good one on Mesa 6 and then hits the road leaving Caleb with the air hug
New Mexico Military Institute Golf Course Home Base for First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico For nearly ten (10) years, the First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico has served the community of Roswell and its surrounding areas by providing programs for young people that foster critical life skills and provide the foundation for the acquisition and internalization of the First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, and perseverance. Young people in the program are empowered to both discover and improve upon their own abilities to initiate positive course of action in life. The First Tee s mission is, To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Currently, there are five (5) program locations: NMMI in Roswell, NM; Rock Wind Community Links in Hobbs, NM; Artesia Country Club in Artesia, NM; Riverside Country Club in Carlsbad, NM; The Links at Sierra Blanca in Ruidoso, NM. Home Base is the New Mexico Military Institute Golf Course. In 2008, through the State of New Mexico, a 3,200 square-foot learning center was constructed for the First Tee for summer and after school programming. The building has two (2) classrooms, a fully equipped computer room, a front reception area, two (2) offices, a recreational room, and a large back storage and club repair room. This building also serves as a registration area for most charity golf tournaments at the Institute, in addition to a breakfast and luncheon area for these tournaments. Programming at NMMI is year-round, including after school programs from 3:15 PM 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, nine (9) months out of the year, and two (2) months of summer programming. Artesia Country Club has two (2) summer camps per year. Rock Wind Community Links will have an after school and summer program, which is set to begin in October. Riverside Country Club will have an after school program set to begin in October. The Links at Sierra Blanca will have an after school program set to begin in November. The First Tee National Program is conducted during regular school hours and engages elementary -age students in a structured physical education curriculum that promotes motor skills and character development in every session. Main objectives include providing physical educators with the professional development opportunities to effectively teach skills, concepts, and the First Tee core values within the school setting. This program is currently implemented in Berrendo Elementary in Roswell, Dexter Middle School, Grand Heights, Roselawn Central, Yeso, Hermosa, and Yucca Elementary Schools in Artesia, Llano, Lea, Yarbro, Ben Alexander, Jefferson and the Sixth Grade Academy in Lovington, and Junction Christian Academy in Hobbs. After school and summer programming engages participants in the classroom in the driving range, putting green, and golf course. Games, skills, challenges, and certifications are incorporated into daily programming. Participants also progress through the five (5) levels of programming: Player (ages 5-8) Introduces playing the game of golf with special emphasis on learning golf and the First Tee Code of Conduct, appreciating the rules and etiquette of the game, and developing a game plan for golf and life. Par (recommended minimum age of 9) Focuses on interpersonal communications and selfmanagement skills. Birdie (recommended minimum age of 11) Focuses on goal-setting. Eagle (recommended minimum age of 13) Emphasizes resilience skills, conflict resolution, and planning for the future. Ace (required minimum age of 14 or entering 9 th grade) Once a young person has progressed through all program levels, he or she can become Ace-certified, focusing on setting goals for golf, career education, and giving back to the community. Continued on Page 5
NMMI Home Base for First Tee Continued... All of the above-mentioned cannot be accomplished without the efforts of staff and volunteers. The chapter has a staff of eight (8) paid employees and a team of 10-15 volunteers. This number is dependent on chapter programming and fundraising. All staff and volunteers are trained. Currently, the chapter has one (1) nationally recognized First Tee coach who has completed all three (3) levels of First Tee training. The chapter also has four (4) level 1 First Tee coaches. Staff and volunteer-to-participant ratios are maintained at ideal rates due to the size of the coaching staff. Every year the First Tee hosts a golf tournament to raise money for scholarships, equipment, program supplies, and operational support. The goal each year is to raise $30,000, and in 2014, this goal was met. The tournament is a four-person scramble with 24 teams, with an 8:00 AM shotgun start. Breakfast and lunch are provided, with a silent auction in the First Tee building. The First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico receives discounts from the Toro Company, which helps to purchase equipment and irrigation supplies at discounted prices. Other First Tee partners include Club Car, Kohler, Fed Ex, and Taylor Made-Addidas, just to name a few. The importance of an accommodating First Tee host cannot be overstated. The First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico has been based at the New Mexico Military Institute since its inception in 2005. Golf Course Superintendent Jake Villareal provides ideal conditions needed for all programs on the golf course. Whether it is after school programming or summer clinics and camps, Mr. Villareal ensures a pristine and comfortable environment for participants and activity partners, with Executive Director Adrienne Fields, to optimize a positive green grass experience for the young people in the program. The NMMI Golf Course helps provide a quality setting for the First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico participants to learn and grow through the game of golf. In 2014, over 4,500 young people will be impacted by the First Tee programs in Southeastern New Mexico. Albuquerque, NM 8905 Adams NE P 505-797-5800 F 505-797-5859 Mesquite, NM 251 John Grisham P 575-233-3171 F 575-233-2790
RGGCSA 2015 Meeting Schedule January 19th - NMSU March - New Mexico Military Institute May - Artesia Country Club July - Santa Fe Country Club October (Annual)- TBD Exact dates for March, May and July Meetings will be provided as soon as they become available. Please check our web site for updates and details. www.rggcsa.org RGGCSA 2015 Officers and Board of Directors President - Caleb Buckley Vice President - Robert Gonzales Secretary / Treasurer - Jake Villareal Director Matt Urban Director Jimmy Rodriguez Director Rob Clark Director Mark Hanson Director Mike Furgerson Past President - Joe Dosstter Vendor Rep. Clay Guck
RGGCSA Chapter Delegate, Robert Gonzales, reports on the issues discussed during the Chapter Delegates Meeting in Lawrence, KS. Host superintendent, Caleb Buckley receives a certificate of appreciation from RGGCSA President, Joe Dosstter.
ON THE HORIZON RGGCSA Meeting at NMSU - January 19, 2015 GIS in San Antonio, TX - February 21 Thru 26 (Tradeshow on 25th and 26th 9am - 5pm) GIS Registration is currently open. There are several tools available to help you get to and navigate the big show. Go to www.gcsaa.org and click on the Planning for the show link about half way down the home page. There you will find items such as: Attendee Justification Resource, Custom Letter To Your Employer, Things To Do In San Antonio, Exhibitor Directory, Smart Phone Apps and More!!!
The annual meeting at Isleta Eagle Golf Course was well attended drawing a full house of members and guests. Dr. Ryan Goss provides details and updates on research he and his staff are currently conducting at NMSU.
Meeting Minutes October 20, 2014 Isleta Eagle Golf Course Attendees per meeting sign in sheet Elected 2015 Board of Directors: 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. Registration and Social Hour President Caleb Buckley Albuquerque NM 9:00 a.m. President Joe Dosstter call to order Vice-President Robert Gonzales Socorro NM Introductions of Board Members Introductions by Attending Association Members Re-cap of Area Job Openings Profit and Loss Report Jake Villareal Alan Salter Scholarship Update Caleb Buckley Linear Irrigation Research Update Dr. Ryan Goss N.M.S.U. Secretary/Treasurer Jake Villareal Roswell NM Director Matt Urban Artesia NM Director Jimmy Rodriguez Santa Fe NM Director Rob Clark Albuquerque NM Director Mark Hanson Durango CO Director Mike Furgerson Taos NM U.S.G.A. National Chapter Delegate Meeting Report Robert Gonzales 50/50 Drawing / Split Going to Scholarship Fund Plaque Presentation to Host Superintendent Caleb Buckley Vendor Rep. Clay Guck Albuquerque NM 10 a.m. Education Session - Field Day at Isleta Eagle Golf Course - Arroyo 9 - Reconstruction/Over-Seed Caleb Buckley 11:00 a.m. motion to adjourn meeting Election Committee Report Jake Villareal 11:30 a.m. Lunch 2015 Board of Directors Ballot Approved by Qualified Attending Members 12:30 p.m. Golf Tournament Isleta Eagle Golf Course