Beckman turns attention to boys’ golf postseason after Wamac Super Meet title

One goal down. Now, it’s on to the next one.

Dyersville Beckman captured the Wamac Conference Super Meet boys’ golf title. The Blazers immediately turned their attention to the postseason.

Teams across the state will compete in sectional tournaments for all classes Wednesday. Beckman will look to take its first steps toward returning to the state tournament, playing in a Class 2A sectional at Monticello Golf Club.

The Blazers topped 3A power Solon, 325-331, for the conference crown.

“The boys are pumped to get the postseason started,” Beckman Coach Darin Michels said. “This was a big win for them, especially after losing only to Solon twice this year. They accomplished No. 1 on their bucket list and want to keep moving down (the list).”

Beckman, which was eighth at state a year ago, has overcome every challenge other than the losses to the Spartans in the season opener and the Wamac East divisional meet. The eight-team sectional field includes Bellevue, Camanche, Cascade, MFL MarMac, North Cedar, Northeast and the host Panthers. The Blazers have faced and defeated most of those opponents.

Team champions and runners-up advance to next week’s district tournaments. If the host school places in the top two, the third-place team will also qualify.

“We've competed against everyone in our sectional, except MFL and Northeast, and it happened to be at Monticello,” Michels said, “so I would like to think chances are great by going off the outcome of that tournament.”

The Blazers are powered by state champion Nate Offerman. He ranks among the 2A leaders in nine-hole average (36.57), 18-hole average (74) and 18-hole adjusted average (77.28). Offerman has guided the Blazers on and off the course.

“Nate’s leadership has been phenomenal.” Michels said about the last two seasons. “He gets them motivated before a meet and makes sure they do their part outside of practice.”

Beckman is far from a one-man show and boasts a balanced lineup. Offerman leads the team with a 38.63 combined adjusted average with sophomore Luke Harwick close behind at 39.57. Noah Boge and T.J. There are next at 43.37 and 43.9, respectively. Brady Bockenstedt and Ty Rausch come in at 45.63 or better.

“I think our team record is a reflection of the entire team,” Michels said. “Granted Nate and Luke were our normal lows but everyone has contributed equally throughout the season.”

Harwick shot a team-best 79 in the Wamac Super Meet Monday at Gardner Golf Course. Offerman posted an 81, while Boge and Bockenstedt rounded out the scoring. All four and Rausch earned all-conference honors.

“Obviously, Luke Harwick has been a big contributor for us this year,” Michels said. “He has been medalist for us this year a few times and finished runner-up in the Wamac. He strikes the ball well and if he can control the ball on the greens he is deadly.

“Everyone has stepped up, though, when needed and if they can forget their last bad hole they can score.”

Defending 2A champion West Branch and Iowa City Regina will head to Tipton for a sectional. Qualifiers from Monticello, Tipton and New Hampton will compete at the Mediapolis district May 16. The Bears, who placed second at state in 2019, are led by 2019 state runner-up Dylan Countryman and Will Bridges, who placed sixth at state last year.

Marion, which placed fourth behind Solon and Clear Creek Amana in the Wamac, will play in a 3A sectional at Pin Oak Links in Manchester. The Wolves and host West Delaware are in a field with Benton Community, Center Point-Urbana, Maquoketa, Mount Vernon and Vinton-Shellsburg.

The Spartans, state runners-up last season, and the Clippers will compete at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course in Fort Madison.

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