New Scorpion golfers (left to right) Joseph Lucio, Adam Haley, Anthony Milligan, David Pena and Krystal Garza sign Letters of Intent with Coach Bob Lucio.
New Scorpion Recruits Make It A Family Affair on Men's Golf Team
Posted May 16, 2008
With the signings of five new golfers, the Scorpion men's golf team will take on a family look for the 2008-09 season.

Six high school seniors -- five men and one woman -- signed Red River Athletic Conference Letters of Intent, five of them doing so during a ceremony Friday, May 16, at UTB/TSC.

The five male student-athletes who signed include Vince Cavazos of Corpus Christi Miller, Adam Haley of Edinburg High, Joseph Lucio of Brownsville Hanna, Anthony Milligan of Harlingen South, and David Pena of Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo North. The lone woman signee was Krystal Garza of Brownsville Lopez High.

Lucio is the son of Scorpion men's and women's head golf coach Bob Lucio. Milligan is the younger brother of Scorpion golfer Chris Milligan.

The additions of the five golfers to the men's team gives the Scorpion a solid group of golfers heading into the 2008-09 season.

With the departure of seniors Anthony Lopez and Jones Mitchell, the Scorpions bring back four experienced golfers. Chris Milligan, who will be a junior in 2008-09, is expected to be the team captain. He had the best scoring average among the Scorpions in 2007-08.

On the Scorpion women's team, returning are seniors-to-be April Martinez and Allison Valles, and sophomore-to-be Andrea Cadriel.

"All of these young recruits are excellent students and I am proud to sign them," Coach Lucio said. "Our program is growing and we're going to have a very exciting future."

Vince Cavazos, Corpus Christi Miller

Cavazos was not present at the signing ceremony but signed with the Scorpions in Corpus Christi earlier this month. Cavazos was a big part of the Miller team that won the District 30-4A golf championship.

Cavazos' younger brother, junior Vance Cavazos, placed ninth in the UIL Class 4A state tournament May 9. Sophomore Eric Cavazos won the district tournament by one shot over his older brothers, who tied for second.

Adam Haley, Edinburg High

Haley won back-to-back District 30-5A medalist honors during his sophomore and junior years, and was second during his senior year. He received the school Tech Prep Scholar award, and has taught golf in the Los Lagos Golf Course youth summer camp to younger golfers. Haley is also the defending champion of the 2007 South Texas Junior Golf Championship played in Harlingen.

"I have very high expectations on this young man, he is a great ball striker and will get better with age and experience," Lucio said. "Adam will make an instant impact on our team in the Fall."

Haley has aspirations to play golf professionally, or pursue a career in the golf business.

Joseph Lucio, Brownsville Hanna

Lucio was captain of the Hanna High boys' golf team in 2008.

"Joseph made a name for himself by winning the prestigious Texas-Oklahoma junior in the 15 year old division two years ago," Lucio said about his son. "He is strong-minded and physically strong. Joseph can overpower a golf course with his length off the tee."

Anthony Milligan, Harlingen South

Milligan, who won medalist honors at the District 31-5A meet in April, is a two-time Region IV Class 5A qualifier this year. He is the 2007 South Texas PGA Valley regional champion and qualified for the state junior championship the last two years.

"Anthony has potential and more potential," Lucio said. "Anthony is a very hard worker just like his older brother. I wouldn't be surprised if turns out to be one of our best golfers."

Milligan, who has been playing golf since he was nine years old, is a Texas Scholar Honors' graduate.

David Pena, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North

Pena, who finished third in the District 31-5A tournament, was a Region IV Class 5A qualifier this year. He has participated in the South Texas Junior PGA for six years.

"David has been a consistent force throughout his junior golf career," Lucio said. "We are excited about his athletic ability that will enable him to step in and make our team. He is a very good student and constant Honor Roll achiever."

Pena has been playing golf since he was 10 years old.

Krystal Garza, Brownsville Lopez

Garza was the captain for the Lobos' golf team.

"Although she has only been playing four years she has picked up the game pretty well," Lucio said. "She is a good iron player and I look forward to see her improve and get some more experience this summer."