The Blake Boys’ golf team capped off an exceptional season with a hard-fought second-place finish at the Minnesota State Tournament, held at the challenging Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. 

Detroit Lakes established a commanding 11-stroke lead after the first day of competition, putting the Bears in a significant hole. Though known for their ability to battle back, Blake couldn’t bridge the gap on day two, as Detroit Lakes maintained their impressive form to win the championship.

Leading the charge for the Bears was Senior Captain Ian Friederichs, who demonstrated why he’s considered a Division I golf prospect. Friederichs paced Blake on the second day, carding an even-par round and finishing the tournament with a two-day total of 147. His consistent performance and leadership will undoubtedly be missed next season.

Junior Captains Jimmy Hughes and Cole Eckes also delivered exceptional tournaments, contributing significantly to the team’s strong showing. Their performances shows the depth and promising future of the Blake golf program.

This marks the Bears’ fourth consecutive appearance at the State Tournament, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence. And the future looks bright: despite the departure of standout senior Friederichs, Blake is poised for continued success. The team will return a strong core of experienced players next season, including Junior Jack Mark, Sophomore Charlie Dean, and Freshman George Mark, alongside junior captains Jimmy Hughes and Cole Eckes. With such a talented roster set to return, the Blake Bears don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.