Chris Trujillo takes a swingPhotos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Chris Trujillo, shown at left, who was convinced by Copper Country Senior Olympics Coordinator Mario Quintana to play in the Copper Country Senior Olympics, recently placed second at nationals.

"I started playing golf when I was three years old," Trujillo said. "Right here at Scott Park in Silver City and at the Hurley Golf Course. Ron Doan was the pro at Scott Park, and he taught me.

"Mario talked me into doing Senior Olympics," Trujillo laughed. "I won last year in Roswell at the state competition and went to Birmingham, Alabama, this year and got second."

He shot well throughout the tournament until the last day. "I shot an 80. I choked and lost by one shot. I also do bowling, but not well enough for nationals."

Trujillo said he is looking forward to 2019 when the National Senior Olympics will be played in Albuquerque.

"My sisters and I play golf," he said. "My sister Jill Trujillo is part of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). She is also the head coach for the women's golf program at the University of New Mexico. Our dad and mom also played."

The Beat interviewed him at Scott Park where he was teaching a junior golf class.

Quintana told the Beat that nine participants this year have come from outside the area to take part in the competitions in Grant County. They include some from Deming, El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Ariz. "We have had almost 160 participants this year, and we might get some more, because we still have competitions in 3-on-3, senior softball and volleyball.

State competitions will take place this year from July 19-25 in Albuquerque.

Copper Country Senior Olympics Coordinator Mario Quiintana poses with Chris Trujillo, and Trujllo's son, Allen.