Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
The talented multi-sport senior Jackson Hicks, a Roswell native, put pen to paper on Monday evening, signing a National Letter of Intent to remain at the New Mexico Military Institute on full scholarship as part of the Bronco golf team.
Hicks finished atop the individual leaderboard last spring at the Class A-3A state tournament at Los Altos Golf Club in Albuquerque after carding a score of 3-over-par 75 to earn a medal.
He was the lone member of the Colt golf team.
Placing first at state was the cherry on top after Hicks had won three prior tournaments in a row, which included the District 4-3A/1A competition that earned him the automatic qualification to state.
Hicks had three offers on the table, but earning a full ride to stay at NMMI was the deal breaker.
"I love the people and I love the environment," he said. "I feel like I work well in this environment. So, I feel like two more years here is going to do me well."
Under the wing of head coach Randy Doerhoefer, Hicks was able to improve his game throughout the season after having the 2020 campaign shutdown due to the pandemic.
Hicks is confident that he can translate his success from the high school to the junior college level.
"I feel like I'm ready to take on the competition I'll be facing," he added. "I matured a lot. I hope to win every tournament I play in, honestly."
Last spring the Broncos had a tough slate, competing against nationally ranked conference opponents like Midland and Odessa College.
But despite the fact, Patrick Mwendapole finished tied for third after shooting the scores of 77 and 74 for a total of 151 at the Western Junior College Athletic Conference Invitational at Odessa Country Club in March.
NMMI is hoping to reload for this upcoming spring semester with the talented Henry Mwanza returning to the teebox, who finished 18th at the WJCAC Invitational.
Hicks will be a perfect fit and addition for the Broncos.
"I'm very excited because of his talent and it's always nice to get a kid from the local town," said Bronco head coach Boyd Kapalamoto. "He's got room to improve, he's very coachable and a well-disciplined kid.
"He understands the system very well and he'll be able to push the other kids that we're looking to have in a few months."