Golfers find success at IHSA state, including 5th place finish

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In culmination of their successful golf seasons, Conant golfers Nicolas Simon, ‘24, and Sadie Zorilla, ‘23, competed at IHSA state in early October. Simon took 5th place in the class 3A individual competition by shooting a two day total of 142. Zorilla placed 38th for the girls by shooting a day two total of 159. 

After placing 12th at sectionals, Simon qualified for the state tournament in Bloomington.

“I knew going in that top 15 was all state, so that was my goal. I know a lot of the kids that I played against at state because I played individual tournaments against them all summer, so I was confident in where I was in the standings,” Simon said.

After a first day total of 70, he was in line to finish with an All-State title. His second day started off a little rocky, Simon said, but after shooting a hole in one on hole 17, he was back at 200 for the tournament.

“It was my first hole in one ever, and it was really cool to share it with my dad and all the people there watching with me,” Simon said.

After his second day in Bloomington, Simon took 5th place and is already gearing up for next year’s competition. “I did some things that I could learn from and I’m excited for next year,” Simon said. 

Zorrilla represented Conant at the IHSA state tournament in Decatur. Zorilla said that as she headed to the competition, she was focused on her mentality. 

“There’s definitely a mental aspect that goes into the sport. And I just had to make sure that, you know, I was mentally there and focused and prepared for the round,” Zorrilla said.

Zorrilla’s nerves were calmed after seeing familiar faces on the course. “A lot of the players there I played with over the summer during tournaments, and I know a lot of them just as friends. I was definitely a lot more relaxed and had a lot more fun than I thought I would,” Zorrilla said.

With a first day total of 82, and a second day finish of 77, Zorrila ended with a combined total of 159, placing 38th in the competition. “Next year, I definitely want to be able to go with my team, and hopefully, take a leadership role,” she said.

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