Standout Golfer Signs with Urbana
NORTH LEWISBURG, Ohio (April 26, 2006) – Triad High School senior Cortney Ertel has committed to Urbana University to play women’s golf. Blue Knight head coach Jacque Howell was pleased to sign one of the area’s top golfers.

“She will bring the team to another level,” said Howell. “I’ve never seen anyone seen anyone hit irons like she does. She attacks the game. She has a great mental edge and a superb GPA. She is everything I want in a student-athlete on our team.”

Ertel, the daughter of Matt and Kim Ertel of Woodstock, Ohio, was named the 2005 Urbana Daily Citizen/Vernon Funeral Home Girls Golfer of the Year. She was named 1st Team All-League, All-County and All-Area. In addition she was medalist at the league tournament and finished second as an individual at the sectionals. She shot her lowest round of the year, a 38, on the back nine at the district tournament.

Ertel was named Honorable Mention to the 2005 News-Sun All-Area team. She was honored with Triad’s Coach’s Award and the Fighting Cardinal. She won all those awards playing on the Cardinal boys team her senior season and hitting from the men’s tees. She averaged a 46 from the men’s tees. That will give her a distinct advantage heading into her rookie year of college.

“I got to play from the men’s tees so that will help with the transition,” said Ertel. “I played on the boys’ team for the first time last year. It was a neat experience.”

“Cortney will raise the level of competition,” added Howell. “She won’t be intimidated. She found out there was not going to be a women’s team (at Triad) and embraced the challenge. She went out and worked on her game over the summer and look where she is now.”

Ertel had several offers from various colleges to continue her golf and education. She was contacted more than 21 times.

“It’s a relief to be done with the process,” said Ertel. “It was a long process, but Elliott (Baume) of College Prospects helped a lot.”

College Prospects of America is a fee-based recruiting service that works with high school athletes and their families in trying to find a college home, and often scholarships.

“Golf was important in my decision,” said Ertel. “I wanted a good golf program and a coach I liked. By choosing Urbana, I get that, plus I will still be playing on my home course and going to a school I really like.”

Ertel’s career began when her father introduced her to the game when she was 11 years old.

“I would like to thank my dad for helping me develop my game,” said Ertel. “I hope to play well and improve with each year at Urbana.”

In addition to her accolades on the course, Ertel has several honors in the classroom. She is a three-year Champaign County Academic Achievement Award winner, a three-sport Scholar-Athlete, and has been named to the Triad Honor Roll for three years. She also won the Spanish Award and is in OHC Art.

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