'It was epic': Tulare Union wins Central Section boys golf championship
The Tulare Union High School boys golf team capped off their memorable season in style.
The Tribe shot a 444 to win the 2024 Central Section Division III Championship on May 7 at Lemoore Golf Course.
Tulare Union defeated Morro Bay by just 12 strokes. Morro Bay came in second with a 456 in the 15-team tournament.
“It was epic, man,” Tribe seventh-year head coach Andre Martinez said. “I loved seeing all the smiles on their faces. They were really happy.”
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Tulare Union’s Gavin Wilson captured the Central Section Division III individual title, registering a 76 on the par 72 course to lead the Tribe to a section team championship.
Also for Tulare Union, Robbie Correia and Ethan Cardoza both shot an 88 and Ezra Martinez, the coach’s son, added a 90. Blake Morias finished with a 102.
Wilson, a sophomore, has elevated the Tribe program with his dedication and passion for the sport. That has rubbed off on his teammates.
“It’s changed the whole dynamic of the team, not just the team, but I think everybody even from Mission Oak and Tulare Western,” Martinez said. “He’s charged everybody just to be a better golfer and do the best that they can, always helping everybody.”
Correia was the only senior on the team this season.
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His leadership provided direction and guidance for the Tribe all year long.
“He was huge,” Martinez said. “He not only helped the team, but in other areas as well. In golf, it’s a hard sport. He helped me and he always helped coach. He helped my son and another kid named Jaxon Medeiros and all of the guys. They all just fell under his leadership. He’s a great kid.”
Tulare Union will only graduate one senior, Correia, from this season’s roster and will likely be prime to make another run in 2025.
“They golf six days a week,” Martinez said. “They do a good job. They really put in the work.”
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare Union wins Central Section boys golf championship
