Changes coming for LLHS, VHS golf programs

LOS LUNAS — A new coach and a new home course await high school golfers who hit the links for Los Lunas and Valencia this school year.

Ray Coleman, who teaches eighth-grade history at Los Lunas Middle School, has been hired to replace Robb Sexsmith as coach of both the LLHS and VHS boys and girls golf programs.

“If that position opens, I would like for you to consider me,” is what Coleman remembers telling Wilson Holland, Los Lunas Schools director of athletics. “He interviewed me and hired me, so I’m excited.”

One of his first acts as coach was to shift the Tigers and Jaguars’ home from Isleta Golf Course to University of New Mexico Championship Course.

“This is phenomenal,” Coleman said about the UNM facility, which includes an 18-hole course and a practice course, along with short game and practice range areas.

“We think that it is going to be a better fit for kids of this caliber--that place (UNM) is geared to helping a kid get better.”

Coleman adds that the fee for using UNM is lower than Isleta.

Getting a youth program started as a feeder system for both LLHS and VHS is a priority for Coleman.

“Let’s get these kids started moving early so that by the time I get them in high school they have some experience.”

That’s especially true for girls’ participation at both schools and the overall numbers for Valencia.

“I’m going to have some work to do” to increase the VHS roster, Coleman said.

Los Lunas is coming off an impressive fourth-place finish in the boys’ 5A State Championship, with Jonah Utash third individually as a freshman. Coleman says he is also excited about a transfer from St. Pius and a talented newcomer from LLMS.

Coleman was head track coach at LLMS but resigned the position because of his new responsibilities.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Coleman began teaching and coaching high school golf in San Antonio and then El Paso. He moved back to New Mexico several years ago to be closer to his father in Los Lunas.

Coleman grew up in Albuquerque near Puerto del Sol Golf Course, where his first job was shagging golf balls that went over the fence.

“I’ve always been a golfer, always loved golf,” he said.