News Summary

The El Rio Golf Course in Tucson will host a scholarship golf tournament on April 26 to raise funds for local high school runners attending the Menchaca Running Camp. Organized by Art Menchaca and supported by community members, the goal is to raise $7,000 to cover camp fees for students. The camp promotes vital life skills alongside athletics, emphasizing the importance of goal setting and time management. Participants can also contribute by donating online to help local youth pursue their athletic dreams.

Golf to Support Local Runners in Tucson

Get ready, Tucson! This Saturday, April 26, the fairways of El Rio Golf Course will come alive as a group of generous souls take swings in a scholarship golf tournament designed to help our budding high school athletes reach new heights. The aim? To raise funds for students aiming to attend the Menchaca Running Camp.

Meet the Man Behind the Magic

Leading the charge is Art Menchaca, a name that rings a bell in the local running community. This notable runner and esteemed coach has set records at Pima Community College and even earned a spot in the Northern Arizona University Hall of Fame. Not to be forgotten, he crossed the finish line of the Phoenix Marathon in 1988 with a beaming smile. Now, Art is channeling his energy into organizing this event, hoping to equip local high school runners with invaluable skills for both athletics and life.

The Camp with a Heart

The Menchaca Running Camp, established in 2024, holds a special place in Art’s heart as it honors his late coach, Jim Meilke. The camp aims to benefit local runners and is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring athletes aged 14 and up. Scheduled to run from June 8-14 in the beautiful elevation of Greer, Arizona, this camp is all about more than just running. It focuses on teaching essential skills like goal setting, visualization, time management, and stress management. By participating, young athletes not only improve as runners but learn valuable life lessons that will carry on far beyond the track.

The Cost of Growth

However, the journey to becoming a better runner comes with a price tag—$475, to be exact. This is where the golf tournament steps in! The funds raised will support scholarships, making it more feasible for students to attend the camp. Based on experience, many promising athletes may discover that their budgets don’t quite stretch to cover camp fees, which is why fundraising like this is so crucial. The organizers set a goal of raising $7,000 to ensure no student has to miss out on this opportunity.

An All-Star Team of Organizers

Rallying behind Art is Raul Ochoa, a retired administrator from the Sunnyside Unified School District, who brings his extensive background in community support and fundraising to the table. Raul believes passionately in equipping our youth, and his efforts ensure that financial restrictions won’t keep anyone from learning and growing at the Menchaca Running Camp.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Last year’s camp participant and this year’s ambassador, Gidget Flanigan, shares her enthusiasm for the camp. She describes it as a multi-faceted, affordable experience that nurtures strong bonds among runners. Gidget is passionate about encouraging new faces to embrace the running culture and join this rewarding journey.

The clock is ticking! Those who want to participate in the golf tournament need to hurry because the last day to register is Tuesday, April 22. There are still 15 spots available for student-athletes eager to sign up for the Menchaca Running Camp.

And if swinging clubs on the green isn’t your forte, fear not! Individuals can still make an impact and support this worthy cause by donating online. Every contribution counts, and you can be part of the movement that helps shape the future of Tucson’s runners.

So gear up, Tucson! Let’s hit the greens and drive home the message that together, we can make a difference for our young athletes.

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