Two middle school students attending Academic and Behavior School West are working their way up to the pros as their team won first place at the First Tee of Greater Houston Challenge, a part of the famed Houston Open PGA Tournament held March 29-April 1 at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.

Camden Cotlar, 10, and Devin Wright, 9, attended the challenge as a culminating event in the First Tee program, a golf education program that meshes the game of golf with lessons in good sportsmanship, effective communication and integrity and honesty.  They played within a team of 12 teammates from public schools around Houston.

The golf program provides an “even playing field” for both students with behavior challenges. Wright received a hole-in-one at the event. Other challenges include the longest drive, accuracy in hitting the ball, the 50-yard dash and putting on the green.

“Both of these young men did very well,” said Victor Keys, principal of AB School West.

Principal Keys coaches the 25 First Tee program students along with his two assistants, coach Tamara Powers and coach Ricky Oliphant. Cotlar has been participating in the First Tee program for several years through AB School West and takes golf lessons now as a hobby.

“By learning the appropriate skills and the etiquette of golf, these students can progress and gain scholarships,” said Keys. “We could even see them go on as golf professionals.”