BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT

I wish I had been there on Tuesday. Truly. I was there on Monday for the first two rounds, when they led by two after the first round, and when they fell eight behind after the second round.

At dinner time, I had the privilege of sitting with the whole team of youngsters. Listening to them I sensed that they would play well the next day. Berek Dyson took the role of leader right away, encouraging freshman Logan Gore the most, and trusting 100% on the team for the next day. He knew they would fight back and they did, as they shot a combined four under par 284. A score that was the best of the day among all teams, but ended only picking up one stroke on the leaders and lost by seven.

Berek shot the best team's round (a 67) of the tournament when it most counted: the last round. Earlier on the first day's second round, he was one under par when he arrived at #12, a tough par 4 playing into a very stiff north wind, where he lost his concentration for a moment, pulled his tee shot out of bounds, and had he allowed his mind to doubt, it would have derailed the whole round. But Berek kept his poise, made a tough putt for a double bogey 6 on that hole, and proceeded to make five straight pars before making a birdie on the last for an even par 72. A hard earned 72 that was probably his best of the tournament considering the circumstances, and most likely the round that gave him confidence and sparked the seven birdies, two bogeys round on the last day.


The 67 in the last day, was a testament that he was focused and would not give an inch, and meant what he said a week before during a radio interview, and the night before at dinner: "I want another title": it was Berek, who two years ago, finished strong the last nine holes and helped Elk City bring the championship. He did all he could, poured his heart in the task at hand, but this time, it was not to be, but it wasn't for lack of courage and good play by the rest of the team. Joby Gray shot 73, Keegan Hall shot 74, and talented Brock Walker who found his putting at times, shot 70 (Logan Gore shot 76), completing a four under par 284 that only picked up one shot on the leaders.


The team had scores of 293, 299 and 284. Individually, Berek, went from "worst to best", definitely Most Improved, if not MVP: along with Logan, Berek had the worst team score on the opening round day (79), but bettered his opening round by 7 shots (72), and his second round by another five shots (67) and managed to catch Joby Gray (73, 72, 73) at 218. The 218 tied them for 7th overall. Brock Walker had 71, 78, 70; Keegan Hall had 70, 78, 74; and freshman Logan Gore, who never found rhythm, had  79, 77, 76.

Joby Gray, who was the most consistent, admitted that he never felt comfortable on the course, because his misses were not consistent, missing it left and missing it right which gives you lots of doubt when there is trouble on either side. However, his rounds are also proof to his fighting nature and his talent, and why he was placed as" #1 bag.

With Keegan (we will miss this "gentle giant" during practice days), who also fought a faulty putting stroke, leaving the team, the team will have big shoes (literally and figuratively) to fill. There might be a couple of boys who may be able to step it up, nonetheless, the top four will have to step it up a notch or two if they are not to put pressure on 5th bag and contend as a team next year. With renewed confidence, Berek should have a great senior season, as well as Joby and Logan, both of whom outwork anyone around and no doubt will regain their rhythm. As for Brock, he is not an enigma to anyone. He has talent and game, and after the 2011 season in which he lost some interest, he seems to have found and renewed his love for the game and for competition, so watch out, another championship may be on the way to Elk City!

All we can say is that they all played their heart out and that is all we can ask them to do! See you kids this summer!!!!!!!!!