JEFF FIELDER Editor
KIMBALL – Dillon Wise, a senior on Kimball High School’s boys golf team, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Wise has placed first in three of Kimball’s first five tournaments. He’s won four tournaments this season, and his best score is 75. He’s started on Kimball’s golf team all four years. He’s medaled at state each of the last two years. His parents are Chad and Jennifer Wise.
Q: How do you like how this season has gone so far?
WISE: “It’s gone pretty good, but we haven’t had a lot of time to practice because of the weather.”
Q: “How do you like the way your team has been performing?
WISE: “I think we’re doing pretty good as a team. We lost two seniors last year, but we’re still doing well.”
Q: For you, how is this season going compared to your last three high school golf seasons?
WISE: “It’s been going pretty good. I’m getting more used to the pressure.”
Q: What were your goals coming into this season?
WISE: “I wanted to win state as a team and also place first [individually].”
Q: Besides districts and state, what upcoming meet are you looking forward to the most?
WISE: “That would be my last home meet, which is on May 2.”
Q: Is it hard for you to believe that your high school golf career is almost over?
WISE: “Yes, it’s really hard to believe that.”
Q: Do you plan to keep playing golf after high school?
WISE: “Yes. I’ve signed to play at McCook. I made that decision in November.”
Q: How excited are you about being able to play collegiately?
WISE: “It takes the stress off during the season.”
Q: Has it always been your goal or dream to play golf in college?
WISE: “Yes.”
Q: What has helped you become the golfer that you are today?
WISE: “Practice. I feel like I have a good swing.”
Q: Do you compete in any other sports?
WISE: “I just play golf.”
Q: Why do you enjoy golf so much?
WISE: “Because my dad likes golf a lot, and he got me into it when I was about 10. I’ve liked golf ever since then.” Editor’s note: Dillon’s dad, Chad Wise, has been Kimball’s boys golf coach for nine years. He’s also the golf pro at Four Winds Golf Course in Kimball.
Q: What’s it like having your dad as your head coach?
WISE: “It feels pretty good to have my coach be my dad.”
Q: How many seniors are on the team?
WISE: “Three – me, Zane Anthony and Izaac Reuter.”
Q: Are the three of you pretty close?
WISE: “Yes, we’ve been playing golf since I was in fifth grade.”
Q: What would it mean to you if you were able to win a state title this year or even place in the top five?
WISE: “It would feel really amazing for my dad and for my family.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of golf on TV?
WISE: “Yes.”
Q: Who’s your favorite golfer to watch?
WISE: “Tiger Woods.”
Q: So did you get a chance to watch the Masters Tournament?
WISE: “Yes. That was a lot of fun to watch.”
Q: Did the results in that tournament surprise you, with Tiger Woods winning it?
WISE: “Yes. I didn’t think he was going to pull that off.”
Q: What do you feel is the strongest part of your golf game?
WISE: “Having consistent contact.”
Q: Which area do you feel like you need to improve the most?
WISE: “Putting.”
Q: Are you also really tough to beat playing mini golf?
WISE: “Yes.” [laughs]
Q: Do you like to play mini golf?
WISE: “Kind of.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not playing golf or going to school?
WISE: “I like fishing and hunting.”
Q: Where’s your favorite place to go fishing?
WISE: “Estes Park in Colorado.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed going to school in Kimball?
WISE: “It’s fun, but I’m glad I’m about done with high school.”
Q: Were you born and raised in Kimball?
WISE: “No. I was born in Denver. We moved to Kimball when I was 9.”
Q: How would you describe the community of Kimball?
WISE: “It’s a special place. The people are really nice here.”
Q: Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
WISE: “Yes, I have one brother [Breckin, 5] and one sister [Payton, 15].”
Q: Name one person who you feel is a big difference-maker in the Kimball community.
WISE: “My dad. He’s taught me everything I know.”
Q: What is your favorite class in school?
WISE: “Probably math because I like numbers.”
Q: In your opinion, who do you feel is the kindest person at Kimball High School?
WISE: “Zane Anthony.”
Q: What do think is the neatest place in Kimball?
WISE: “There really aren’t many options here in Kimball. Probably the park.”
Q: If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go?
WISE: “Probably California. It’s always nice there.”
Q: Which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?
WISE: “They’ve all been there for me. It’s hard to choose one.”
NOTE: Area high school students named Athlete of the Week or Student of the Week will be included in the upcoming issue of Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues), please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 60363, or call 308-220-8865. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 this month to the Golden Halo Foundation, which helps area children with long-term disabilities. Nspire Today!, a locally owned and operated business based out of Scottsbluff, focuses on positive, feel-good and inspiring content on people in the Panhandle and eastern Wyoming.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
