WAKEFIELD — Stoneham School Committee member Larry Means and Superintendent David DiBarri are pleased to announce that junior Patrick Maloney became the first student in Northeast Metro Tech history to win the Individual Vocational State Golf Championship.
Maloney, of Stoneham, who is captain of the Golden Knights golf team, was one of 45 students to play in the tournament on Oct. 25 in Gardner.
Students on nine teams from the large division of vocational schools gathered for the statewide competition at Gardner Municipal Golf Course to play a round of 18. At the end of the event, despite the chilly weather, Maloney earned a score of 74 — his best yet in a tournament.
“It was a big milestone for me,” he recalled. “I couldn’t really believe it at first. I guess I got pretty lucky that day.”
The accomplishment is a culmination of years of playing. Maloney first started golfing when he was 12, joined the Golden Knights team as a freshman and spent his summer practicing six days a week.
Along with winning the State Vocational Championship, Maloney, an electrical student, competed in the MIAA State Division III Championship. To qualify, Maloney had to place within the top 10 at the MIAA Division III Sectionals on Oct. 22.
Coach Jarrod Richards said Maloney has been a leader since he took on the role as captain this year and often assists underclassmen with improving their game.
“Patrick’s contributions both as a golfer and as a captain have been pivotal to the team’s success and we’re all so proud that he’s the first Northeast Metro Tech student to achieve this milestone,” he said. “I know he’s looking forward to defending the title next year.”
###
