Coach
James Black, Golf Coach Email>>
James Black graduated from Lovington High School in 1972 where he participated in football, basketball, and track for 4 years. He was a member of the 1971 State Football Championship Team and was selected for the All-District Team in 1971 and the All-State Team in 1972. He also participated in the State Championship Track Team in 1970 and 1971. He set a new Pole Vault district record in 1970, and won the State Championship in Pole Vault in 1972 with a new record.
Black attended New Mexico Junior College from 1972-75 competing on the golf team in 1972-73 and 1973-74 as team co-captain. He played basketball for the Thunderbirds in 1974-75. He was awarded the Dutch Klein Thunderbird Award in 1975. From there Black attended Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on a golf scholarship. He received his B. S. in 1977 and was awarded the John E. Gray Award for the most leadership and outstanding scholastic achievement by a graduating athlete.
Black was first elected as a class “A” PGA Professional in 1980 and was elected as a Section Board member from 1986-91. He was elected Club Corporation of America Golf Professional of the Year in 1987. He was Co-Tournament Director for the Ben Hogan South Texas Open for 1990 and 1991.
Black came to the New Mexico Junior College as Golf Coach and Physical Education Instructor in the summer of 1991. Since he has been at NMJC his team has been to the National Tournament eight of the last eleven years. James Black is the current President of the Division I-NJCAA Golf Coaches Association.
Black is married to Sue, who also teaches at NMJC, and has two sons, Ross and Sean.