Dyersville Beckman boys’ golf team begins trek back to state after unbeaten regular season

Unbeaten and unsatisfied.

Dyersville Beckman’s boys’ golf team wrapped up a perfect regular season, stemming from the last competition it didn’t win. The Blazers have been motivated by that state runner-up finish a year ago.

“I don’t think anyone was happy we got second last year,” Beckman senior and 2021 state medalist Nate Offerman said. “I know everyone put in a lot of work.”

The Blazers begin their quest for a third straight state appearance, opening the postseason with a Class 2A sectional Wednesday at Monticello Golf Course. The top two teams will automatically advance and the top two individuals, including ties, from non-qualifying teams move on to next week’s districts in all classes.

“The guys have really improved over the year,” Beckman Coach Darin Michels said. “They were really playing good at the end.”

The Blazers defeated all 43 opponents in 11 competitions, capturing team titles at the River Valley Conference tournament, their home Blazer Invitational, the West Liberty Invite and a tournament at Monticello — the sectional site.

“I think we are where we are from hard work,” Offerman said. “No one on our team likes to lose.”

Work ethic and competitiveness mesh with talent. Beckman ranks third in 2A in all team scoring categories, leading in all nine-hole statistics and combined adjusted average (158.61).

Offerman is Beckman’s first state champion. Junior Luke Harwick was the state runner-up last year. Senior Noah Boge and junior T.J. Their own a combined adjusted average less than 42. Brady Bockenstedt has the fifth-best average at 42.70. The lineup is hard for other 2A programs to match.

“They are all pretty excited and ready to go,” Michels said. “Depth is great, knowing if one fails, hopefully, we have another to back them up. It’s been happening these last few weeks. It’s shown at the right time.”

The team is led by one of the area’s top 1-2 punches. Offerman and Harwick are tied for second in 2A with a 38.14 combined adjusted average. They have a friendly battle to best the other, vying for the No. 1 spot. They have been steady all season.

“It’s been fun and I hope it continues,” Michels said. “They love competition. They want to compete. They want to play with the best.”

Offerman said the entire team hates to lose to one another, competing on the course, whether it’s for a Gatorade or bragging rights. Offerman and Harwick push each other to new heights. They will even challenge one another in competition.

“When I’m walking by, say I’m on hole No. 5 and he’s on No. 4, I’ll ask him what he’s at,” Offerman said. “If he’s beating me, I know I have to get going and beat him back.

“We try to talk every single hole and make sure someone isn’t too far ahead of us. If they are, we know a couple birdies have to fall.”

Michels heaped praise on this year’s squad. He said a good short game resembles some previous teams. Michels added that the current Blazers are strong off the tee. They have all the elements for another state run with eyes set on a team title.

“These guys are all-around athletes,” Michels said. “By far, the best team that I had.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com