By Bobby Narang
Katherine Lemke is taking a positive spin toward the end of her high school golf season.
The St. Francis senior in Wheaton is one of the top golfers in the western suburbs. She earned that honor with several noteworthy performances throughout her career, most notably placing 12th at the Class A State meet to lead the Spartans to a seventh-place finish.
But Lemke won’t let the lack of a State series this season because of the coronavirus pandemic spoil her final golf season at St. Francis.
“I think when found out there would be no State (tournament), it was disappointing, but that doesn’t mean the season can’t be something special,” she said. “We can still break school records, and all improve as golfers. Next year, if there’s a State tournament, they have the opportunity to qualify for State and do something of that caliber.
“Right now, we still have conference tournament, plus a lot of other things. I’ve tried to fill that void of no State tournament by looking at all things we can do, like we still can play golf. I rather not focus on things we can’t do. I was really excited for year four because I thought I had a chance (for State), but I want to make the best of the year.”
As expected, Lemke has been a dominant force all season for the Spartans. She shot 35 to earn medalist honors in a three-team meet with Wheaton Academy and St. Edward Monday. She placed second in the Glendale Lakes Tournament September 19 and shot 74 in the 18-hole event.
“Katherine has really played great,” St. Francis head coach Gay Crain said. “We go as she goes. She’s been a medalist in most of our events. She’s playing at a really high level.
“She came to golf late, but she’s really blossomed into a special player. She took a big step in her junior year. The team really looks up to her, and are in awe of what she can do on the golf course. They know how hard she works and she’s great for our program.”
• Wheaton North is another program on the upswing this fall. The Falcons remained unblemished in their first six DuKane Conference meets, by riding strong performances by senior Grace Quinn and freshman Bridget Craig.
Wheaton North head coach Karen Calabrese said she’s been pleasantly surprised by her team this year.
“I didn’t expect to be 6-0,” Calabrese said. “I thought we would be competitive, but I didn’t think we would be shooting for an undefeated season. I’m real happy. It’s not like we’ve been walking away with it. We’ve been grinding away, winning by three or four strokes, but we’ve been coming out on top.”