Nick Ludka was selected as a finalist for the Byron Nelson Award by the Golf Coaches Association of America on Thursday. Nick is one of five finalists and the only finalist from NCAA Division III.
Candidates for the prestigious Byron Nelson Award must be graduating seniors with a combination of academic and athletic achievements as well as high character and integrity while in college. Particular consideration is given to good citizenship, as portrayed by Mr. Byron Nelson over the course of his life and golf career.
A chemistry/pre-med major with a 3.977 GPA, Nick is currently vice president of Kalamazoo College's Athletic Leadership Council. He's been on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll three times and was named a GCAA Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar last year. Nick was awarded the College's First-Year Chemistry Award in 2016 and the Henry and Inez Brown Prize in 2018.
Nick earned All-MIAA honors three times and was medalist at the MIAA Fall Tournament in 2018. He was co-medalist at an MIAA Jamboree in 2015. He also was selected as the recipient of the MIAA Men's Golf Sportsmanship Award in 2018.
Nick broke the Kalamazoo College record with an average of 70.8 in league matches in 2018. He also tied the school record of 75.5 for league average over his career. Nick's round of 68 in the fall is the second lowest score in school history, and he has shot 70 or better eight times.
A native of Saginaw, Mich. (Nouvel Catholic HS), Nick has been very active in the Kalamazoo community during his time at K. He's been involved in the Young Adult Program, an on-campus group that works with a classroom from a local special education program, and has held a leadership role of Civic Engagement Scholar for the Young Adult Program. He's volunteered with Grace Hospice in Kalamazoo as well as with Area 16 Special Olympics. This year Nick also began volunteering in the emergency department at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
"It's such a great honor to see the GCAA recognize Nick for all he has done during his four years at K on the course, in the classroom, and in the community," said Kalamazoo College Head Coach Mitch Wilson. "Nick goes at everything full throttle, yet still manages to keep balance and build relationships along the way. It has been a joy to have him be part of our program and I look forward to all that he will accomplish after K!"
The winner of the Byron Nelson Award is typically announced in April.