Las Cruces high schools come together to continue golf tournament tradition

While many believed the biggest sports fundraiser in New Mexico was over, four Las Cruces booster clubs got together and started a new tradition.

Earlier this year the organizer for the It’s Burger Time High School Golf Tournament decided he would not continue the tournament due to a multitude of reasons including the lost of a family member in the Burger Time Foundation.

The organization raised money for sports activities for the four Las Cruces High Schools.

It had raised $2.5 million since its inception in 1994.

Despite the Burger Time Foundation deciding to discontinue the tradition, the football boosters from Las Cruces, Onate, Centennial and Mayfield High School got together to form the inaugural City of the Crosses 12th Man Golf Tournament at the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course.

“We always tell our team ‘together everyone achieves more,'” Mayfield High School head coach, Michael Bradley said. “I think by coming together as four high schools this makes it all happen and it really brings the community together.”

While the new fundraiser may be different because the Burger Time foundation is no longer involved, the new fundraiser is largely based off of the old tradition.

“We’re kind of piggybacking on Kevin McGrath and the Burger Time tournament,” Bradley said. “It’s just been a fantastic response from everybody.”

The golf tournament started June 30 and continued on July 1 as teams played and raised money for the booster clubs.

400 golfers had signed up to play.

“Our community really comes out and supports us,” Bradley said. “It’s been a fantastic thing.”

The 2017 football season will begin in late August for the Las Cruces teams.

“Oh we are fired up,” Bradley said. “The kids are working hard and we’re excited to get the season started again.”