Every year the Nebraska Golfers Association holds a banquet paying homage to players from all over the state. The “Celebration of Champions” was held at the Nines in Papillion this year. WOWT’s John Knicley headlined the event; while Rich Lerner, a prominent host for the golf channel, wrapped up the night with a speech. The two-hour-long event included dinner, keynote speakers, and several awards that were awarded to participants. At the end of the night, Westside golfer Trevor Gutschewski was honored as both the Nebraska Amateur and the Nebraska Junior Golfer of the Year.
“It’s a huge honor,” Gutschewski said. “To cement my name in state history like this means a lot. I’ve worked hard to be where I am today and I am so thankful to be in a position today where I’m able to see my work pay off.”
The Florida commit is coming off an incredibly successful year. Amongst many things, Trevor most notably won the USGA Junior Amateur in Bloomfield, Michigan over the summer. The win marked the first from a Nebraska native. Additionally, Trevor became the second Nebraskan to win a USGA event since Johnny Goodman won in the 1937 US Open. As for the high school circuit, it’s the same story. Trevor won back-to-back state championships at Westside and came in second individually last season. On top of that, Gutschewski broke the record at the metro tournament. Trevor’s high school coach, Jered Hellman, acknowledged the obstacles he has seen Trevor overcome throughout his time at Westside.
“The first is all of the other amazing amateurs in our State that he had to outperform,” Hellman said. “Nebraska is home to some talented amateur golfers and to be atop of both lists is a true testament to Trevor’s hard work and his talent.”
Gutshewski was raised in the game, as his family is chock-full of golfers. Trevors, older brother Luke, is a senior playing golf at Iowa State. The boy’s father Scott, received his PGA tour card in 2003 and has been playing around the country ever since. That being said, this award is a long time coming. The nomination for the Junior Golfer of the Year award is a repeat, as Gutschewski has won this award two years in a row. Trevor joins his older brother Luke as a winner of both the Amateur and Junior Amateur Golfer of the Year. This dual recognition is incredibly rare in the state of Nebraska and the brothers are two of the few who can call these trophies there.
“I’ve always looked up to my brother a ton,” Gutschewski said. “My memories of playing with him when we were little are still some of my favorites. He and my dad have taught me a lot over the years and have always encouraged me to be the best golfer I can be. That being said it means a lot for these titles to be something Luke and I both hold.”
The importance of this award is no small feat. Not many professional golfers can say that they have accomplished what Trevor has by winning both of these awards. Much less winning both of them in the same year. These titles are a culmination of years of hard work and dedication from Gutshcewski.
“Golf has been my life for a long time now,” Gutschewski said. “Longer than I can remember for sure. I think I can contribute to doing the little things. Taking sand shots every day. Putting it on every day. Hitting the range every day. All of these things added up over time and I think they made me the golfer I am today.”
Golf is exclusively a single-player sport. During the high school season, there is a very large team aspect. Here, during a high school season, a player is molded. The impact of teammates can positively or negatively impact a golfer’s career. Trevor’s teammates and friends were there to witness him win these awards. The 2024 starting five, along with a few others, were there to show support as Gutschewski took the stage. Also in attendance was Husker golfer Jackson Benge. Benge caddied for Gutshcewki in the Junior Ametauer over the summer. In addition to this, Benge won the high school state championship with Gutchsewki in both 2023 and 2024.
“It was cool being there with all my friends,” Gutschewski said. “My teammates especially have played a big role in where I am today and I am grateful we were able to get the whole team together for the night. Jackson was with me throughout the entirety of the biggest tournament of my life, so I think it’s pretty fitting that he was able to come”
At the banquet, Coach Hellman accompanied his team. Further pushing the importance of one single entity and supporting each other.
“From Day 1 I could tell that being part of a Team means a lot to Trevor,” Hellman said. “He thrives in the team environment and has bought in 100% into our WE>Me mentality. Trevor puts our team’s success above his own. He had a chance to fire at the flag from 115 yards last year on the 18th hole of Day two of the State tournament. A birdie, and he most likely wins or gets in a playoff for medalist, a tournament he has yet to win individually. Our team, however, needed a Par, and firing at the pin brought bogey into play. Without hesitation, Trevor hit it to the center of the green ( the smart play), nearly made a 20-foot birdie, and cleaned up his par to give his team Back to Back State Championships. This thinking is one of the things that differentiates him from others, his Teammates know his choice was for the TEAM and not personal success. This moment will stand out to me as one of the most selfless choices I have seen an athlete make.”
Looking forward, there is still a lot to come. Gutschewski will undeniably have a road to travel after high school and college. As for his final high school season, Westside still retains much of the talent it had last season. That being said, a third state championship could be the Warrior’s future.
“I have high hopes for my final high school season,” Gutschewski said. “I’m excited to return and be on the course with the guys. If all goes to plan then I think we could be looking at a three-peat.”
After this season Trevor will head down to Gainesville to play as a Florida Gator.
“I’m really excited about what Florida has to offer me as a golfer,” Gutschewski said. “I’ve had a great time forming a bond with this team, and that will be something that I miss. As for after college, I’m ready for anything that comes my way.”
Coach Hellman agrees with Trevor, understanding the importance of having a golfer at Trevor’s level under his tutelage. Hellman believes that wherever Trevor goes and whatever he does, he will make a huge impact.
“I hope that with all the attention, accolades, and everything else that comes his way, he can enjoy his Senior year at Westside, stay hungry, and continue on his path to fulfilling his lifelong dreams,” Hellman said “Trevor is going to head down to Florida to play for Coach J.C. Deacon. I am confident that this is the best place for Trevor. Coach Deacon is amazing and realized Trevor’s talents several years ago before all the accolades came his way. Trevor will leave his mark in Gainesville. I do not doubt that the Gators are getting Nebraska’s most decorated Junior golfer in our state history and I cannot wait to see him dominate the SEC.”
