by Melissa Smith|Sports Writer

Sophomore Jake Judkins and freshman Christian de la Cruz will be representing Johnson in the Boy’s Regional Tournament in McAllen, Texas. The tournament will take place on April 20-21st, and the boys will be competing against the best of the best in the region. In order to qualify, the boys had to reach high standards.

“I played two solid rounds at districts, kept myself in contention in the first day and finished it in the two days with a solid 73,” Cruz said.

They both kept strict discipline.

“To get to regionals consisted of hard work and a lot of dedication such as hitting on the range for numerous hours,” Judkins said.

They have been practicing non-stop, working on their techniques.

“Me and Jake have been practicing everyday, and we work on our putting a lot,” Cruz said.

Unfazed by the competition, the boys have plenty of confidence.

“Am I nervous? No, because I’ve been in situations like this before. I prepare for my tournaments and set high standards for myself. I stay in the moment, concentrate on what I need to get the job done,” Judkins said. “I have to look through the course and analyze each shot on each hole. To succeed, I play each hole as an individual tournament.”

Their secret to success is understanding the game.

“Golf is 20% skill and 80% management. Stay in the moment, then grip it and rip it,” Judkins said.