MARFA — Marfa ISD will host a ceremony to honor past golf state qualifiers at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 2, at the Marfa Municipal Golf Course as part of “The Great Comeback,” an annual initiative to honor the athletic achievements of Shorthorn alumni.
This year’s honorees will be celebrated during the Chavez Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament. The recognition will continue throughout the Marfa Lights Festival Weekend, on August 29, 2025 at the football field, spotlighting these athletes’ lasting legacy and contributions to Marfa golf history.
This year’s honorees are Chris Baker, 1997 state champion; Yvonne Zubiate Lujan, 1987 state qualifier; and Ronnie Martinez, David Walker, Scott Taylor, Sammy Jimenez, Danny Armendariz and John Gush, 1981 and 1982 team state qualifiers.
Chris Baker — 1997 UIL state champion
Chris Baker made history as Marfa’s only individual UIL state champion, a title he earned in 1997. Baker clinched first place by shooting a 74 in his second round for a two-day total of 155, edging out the nearest competitor from Celeste High School by two strokes. His championship remains the only individual state title in Marfa ISD athletic history, cementing his place in the record books.
Yvonne Zubiate Lujan — 1987 state qualifier and collegiate golfer
A standout golfer and 1987 state qualifier, Yvonne Zubiate Lujan led the Marfa team with strong performances at the district and regional levels, earning her a spot at the UIL state tournament, under the guidance of head golf coach Richard Hibbitts. Her talent and dedication caught the attention of collegiate scouts, leading to her recruitment by the University of Texas at El Paso, where she played for three years with the UTEP Miners.
1981 & 1982 Marfa golf team — State qualifiers, regional champions and district champions
This remarkable team began their high school careers as underdogs, but through hard work and determination, they emerged as regional champions and state contenders in back-to-back seasons with a 1981 state runner-up finish and a 1982 4th-place team finish at the state championships. Led by a talented group of underclassmen, the team shocked the region by advancing to the state level. Winning the district championship came as a surprise, but their triumph at regionals in Odessa was an even greater accomplishment. Key contributors included: Ronnie Martinez, Scott Taylor, Danny Armendariz, David Walker, Sammy Jimenez and John Gush. The team built on consistent successes and later dominated the regional championships by winning with an impressive 20 stroke margin, under the guidance of Coach Harold Steele.
In the 2022–2023 school year, Marfa ISD launched The Great Comeback initiative — an ongoing effort to honor and celebrate the athletic achievements of past Marfa High School teams. The inaugural honorees were the 1980–1981 Lady Shorthorns volleyball team, who defied the odds to finish as UIL state runners-up, showcasing resilience and determination on their path to the championship match. Continuing the tradition, the 2023–2024 Great Comeback recognized the 2012 Marfa track team, which qualified for the UIL state championships and proudly brought home a state medal in the 800-meter run. Through The Great Comeback, Marfa ISD preserves the legacy of its student-athletes and inspires current generations by celebrating the perseverance, teamwork, and excellence that define Shorthorn sports history.