Eric Willey '01-'03

Eric Willey attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 2001-2003, he is going into the Hall of Fame for Golf.

Eric chose to attend Iowa Lakes to earn a degree and set himself up for future education. He wanted to be part of a team and playing golf and basketball at Iowa Lakes gave him that opportunity as well as the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Attending Iowa Lakes also has helped him with his career. 

Eric excelled in both golf and basketball while at Iowa Lakes. He was a National Qualifier in golf in 2002 and was named 1st team All-Region as a freshman and sophomore in basketball. 

Coach Soper and coach Moeller were a couple of the most influential employees for Eric during his time at Iowa Lakes. They pushed him to be a better person and brought out more of his competitive side. 

Coach Soper had this to say about Eric, “Eric Willey was a once in a decade athlete, excelling as an all-region performer in two sports for Iowa Lakes speaks for itself.  He is certainly known in the Estherville area for his accomplishments on the basketball court, however I have  told people many times there is only one thing athletically I would rather watch him do than shoot a 20-foot jumper and that is to watch him hit a golf ball as it is a thing of beauty!  When I was gathering information for Eric’s nomination, I came across a 2003 preseason preview in the Estherville Daily News where Sports Editor, David Swartz asked me about attributes of my team members that made them successful.  Here is what I said about Eric.  'Eric is very competitive and not one to shy away from a pressure situation.  He would be one of the top players I have ever coached, that I would pick to make a 6-foot putt to win a match.”

Qualifying for the national tournament as a freshman was one of Eric’s fondest memories. The Spirit Hollow Golf Course was very challenging. He also appreciates getting to know his teammates and other students and continuing those relationships. 

After Iowa Lakes, Eric majored in horticulture with an emphasis in turfgrass at Iowa State University. He is currently a Golf Course Superintendent at Hinsdale Golf Club in Clarendon Hills, IL, an 18 hole private facility located about 30 minutes west of downtown Chicago. 

Eric would like to thank his mom, Julie, his dad, Jim, and his sister, Sarah, for always supporting him and pushing him to be the best he could be. They instilled a work ethic in him that has opened a lot of opportunities to succeed in life. He would also like to thank Coach Soper for the opportunity to get an education and play competitively at Iowa Lakes. The opportunity of being part of a team and connecting with teammates at Iowa Lakes has transferred into my career and he is very grateful for that opportunity.