by Malcolm Butler
Alex Roebuck is a state champion.
The Cedar Creek sophomore entered Tuesday’s final day of the Division IV state championship with a one stroke lead and promptly held off the competition by shooting a 39 over the final nine holes to claim the individual title.
The sophomore shot a 27-hole total of 109 to edge Grand Lake’s Luke Wainwright (111) and defending state champion Logan Heltz (114) of Christ Episcopal.
“I believe what helped me most is our Savior above,” said Roebuck. “Luke 18:27 says, ‘The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.’ I played pretty well but still had a couple of simple mistakes that I wish I could get back.”
Cedar Creek head coach Gene Vandenlangenberg praised his underclassman’s performance under pressure.
“I am very proud of Alex,” said Vandenlangenberg. “He played with great confidence at State. His state championship was no surprise. He works hard every day to get better. He doesn’t believe in taking days off, and Alex was prepared for this opportunity.”
Roebuck joins former Cougars Patrick Blunt and Brandon Newton (4x) as individual state champions in golf.
“I love winning and believe I want it more than anyone else out there,” said Roebuck. “To beat the previous years champion (Heltz) feels even better.”
As a team, the Cougars finished third with a team total of 525, trailing only state champion Vermillion Catholic (517) and Westminster Christian (520).
Triston Floyd (T22nd, 134), Cameron Temple (27th, 140), Paxton Burney (T29th, 142), and James Myers (T39th, 152) all contributed to the Cougars third place finish as a team.
Choudrant junior Carson Carrico tied for the low score during Tuesday’s nine holes with a 38, moving up and finishing tied for sixth place with a 27-hole total of 122.
