Even though the Lockport boys varsity golf team did not get to compete at state, they still performed well this season, winning regionals and finishing third at sectionals. Unfortunately, it was announced that the state tournament would be cancelled this year due to COVID-19, so the team was not able to compete in it.

Senior Ben Sluzas, the reigning two-time individual state champion, led the team in scoring average and once again performed great throughout the season. Joey Sluzas, Vincent Greci III, and Brody McCarthy round out the top four scoring leaders.

Coach Matthew Eber was disappointed that his team wasn’t able to compete at state but used it as a positive, saying, “It was disappointing as we had a strong team that could have competed for a strong finish at State and Ben had a chance to do what only one other person ever did in winning three individual championships in a row.”

COVID-19 also complicated matters during the season. “COVID-19 made scheduling matches a challenge but we were able to host a bunch of events so we filled out the schedule pretty well in the end,” Coach Eber stated. “It also caused us some issues early with mask-wearing while playing, but that was resolved quickly, and the biggest issue with COVID-19 came from losing out on a state tournament.”

The team finished the season well with a record of 16-2, winning invites at Plainfield North, the LTHS Porter Cup, and the Morris CC Invite. They would have qualified for state had this been a normal season.

Overall, Coach Eber called the season a success, even though his team couldn’t compete at state. “I think the team overcame some adversity when the announcement came that State was not going to happen and performed at a high level again this year.”