It's enough to make one quit before even starting. This reporter knows the frustration of hooking or slicing a golf ball, but I also know that the honoree of this past week- end's Gilberto Hernandez Invitational Golf Tournament is more than deserving of this honor, not only because he has encouraged and trained some of the best amateur golfers Eagle Pass has ever seen, including my son, but he has also done what not many others would, which is to work with youngsters who struggle with the game and may even feel like quitting or never playing again.
It takes a special kind of person to give of themselves and to donate their time to such an endeavor year after year, but Coach Beto Hernandez has done just that for 40 years.
The Eagle Pass Municipal Golf Course, CC Winn High School, his col- leagues and contemporaries Pito Rendon and Oscar Cardenas of Del Rio were all on hand to bid “La Turla” farewell and award him with plaques of appreciation.
In terms of the tournament itself, Raul Figueroa's team placed first at -12, Joe Venegas' team came in second with an -11, Ben Stearns' squad placed third at -11 and Oscar Cardenas' team blasted their way to fourth place with -10.
His family and friends were also on hand to thank him for every good deed, every tip and just for being him.
The Eagle Pass News Gram salutes Coach Hernandez for all his effort and dedication to our kids. Godspeed and God Bless, Coach, I know you'll still be here for us, but truly enjoy your retirement.