Sport: Golf

Other sports: None

Grade school: Oglesby Washington

Parents’ names: Birgit and Sam Mertes

Nicknames: None

Superstitions: I don’t think I have anything that I necessarily have to do (before meets). A lot of practice, I think, is the only thing that’s going to do you good.

Favorite sports memory: It would have to be sophomore year when I finally shot a 1-under-par 35. It was my first time. It was (at Senica’s Oak Ridge). I thought that kind of broke the barrier.

What do you want to be when you grow up?: I would live to go into the medical field. I think that would be a good job. I like to help people.

If you could spend the day with any athlete, who would it be and why?: It would definitely be Shaun White because he is without question the best at what he does and that really inspires me to be like him.

Last week’s performance: Mertes opened the season with a medalist-worthy 1-over-par 36 at Morris where the Cavaliers fell 168-169. He followed that up with a team-low 41 at Rock Island Alleman.

Mertes on his performance: I played alright, but just a couple mistakes that I really need to figure out. I had a lot of good, but it definitely was covered up by some bad shots. I think if I can eliminate those I’ll be having a lot lower scores.

Coach Randy Gunia says: Nick had two real nice performances. He brought in a 36 then I believe it was a 41 at Alleman. For only seeing the course I believe once before, it’s a very difficult course to play. There are quite a few rolling hills. It’s a big difference from playing the flat ground that we do. The 36 that he posted at Morris is a testament to hitting the ball straight and increased distance this year.