Joe Harney '10 Wins State Championship

Joe Harney '10 knew he'd probably have to take some chances heading into the last nine holes of his high school career yesterday at Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton.

Down by two strokes, Harney remembered what his coach, John Palermo '79, had told him the day before. "These guys you're going up against are always going to shoot a 75 [on the coure]. You've got to take a chance and get an 80 or take a chance and win it."

Harney did just that, hitting agressively, catching a little luck here and there, and making four birdies overall on the day to earn a 72 and take home the Division II State Championship. Harney's score beat the three second-place finishers by two strokes.

In his four seasons for the Knights, Harney has consistently been a contender in the Conference, according to Coach Palermo. As captain this year, he has been an outstanding leader for the team's younger, talented players.

"This was an outstanding effort for Joe, that caps off four great years of play," said Palermo.

Harney also captured the Catholic Conference Championship on October 17 at Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover. Harney shot a league-low 77 on the 72-par course.