South’s Robles repeats as Northwest Herald Golfer of Year

Crystal Lake South senior Nick Robles is the 2011 Northwest Herald Boys Golfer of the Year. Robles finished third at the IHSA Class 3A Golf State Tournament last month with a 7-over-par 151. (Lauren M. Anderson – landerson@shawmedia.com)

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Nick Robles’ initial reaction this season was similar to last year.

The Crystal Lake South senior finished third at the IHSA Class 3A Boys Golf State Tournament last month with a 7-over-par, 36-hole score of 151.

“I felt a little upset. I wanted to win,” Robles said. “Now that I look back on it, I’m proud of the way I played in the state tournaments the last couple years. I thought it was a good showing. I’ll take that and run with it. I know in big tournaments, under tough conditions, I can pull off a good score.”

For another outstanding season, Robles repeats as the Northwest Herald Boys Golfer of the Year, chosen by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Marian Central’s Luke Waggoner also received strong consideration after his runner-up finish in the Class 2A State Tournament.

Waggoner, a four-year state qualifier, lost to Marion’s Jaret Brewer on the first sudden-death playoff hole at Illinois State University’s Weibring Golf Club for the 2A individual title. Robles suffered the same fate a year earlier in the 3A state tournament.

Joining Robles and Waggoner on the first team are Cary-Grove junior Jarrett Kinney and Jacobs junior Sean Kozak. On the second team are Huntley’s Ryan and Trent Craig, Marian Central’s Noah Radwanski and Richmond-Burton’s Jordan Hahn. Trent Craig and Hahn are freshmen, Radwanski is a sophomore.

Robles, who averaged 73.4 strokes for 18-hole rounds, currently is waiting to find out if he will receive an Evans Scholarship, which are awarded to caddies each year who have shown great sportsmanship, citizenship and achieved academic excellence. If Robles does not get an Evans Scholarship, which covers the entire schooling cost for four years, he will get an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship.

Gators coach Curt Wadlington said writing an Evans’ letter of recommendation for Robles was one of the easiest things he ever had to do.

“His career being over is bittersweet,” Wadlington said. “I’m happy for him to go on to bigger and better things, and go on to impress other people. We’ll miss him, and we’ll miss his talent as well. He’s going to go on and do some great things.”

Robles was consistent most of the season with some spectacular rounds. He fired a 4-under-par 31 at Randall Oaks, and at the Barrington Regional, while other golfers struggled with Makray Memorial, Robles tore up the course at 3-under 68.

“I had a few bumps in the middle of my season, but I worked it out,” Robles said. “I had a lot of fun with my team, my coach and fellow competitors. I got a good sense this season of what I need to work on next summer. I want to get a more consistent putting stroke, and work on my irons from 100 yards in and my chipping. Putting from 3 feet rather than 8 feet is a lot better.”

Although Robles was not able to match former Gator Pete Leveille’s Class AA state title from 1981, his second- and third-place state finishes were special.

“He has the physical talent, but what makes him special is his mental ability,” Wadlington said. “One of his greatest assets is his mental toughness. That’s what makes him rise above. It’s what makes him special.”