Why he’s Coach of the Year: Becker had the Maroons playing their best when it mattered most. Central shot its best team score of the year, by 19 strokes, at the UI Blue Course to finish third in a Class AA regional and advance to sectionals. It was a 36-stroke improvement from a week prior on the same layout at the Champaign County tournament, and three golfers shot their career-best scores. Season highlights: “This year was special because of the five seniors I had on my team. I watched them improve over four years, and it paid off having the best team I have had over my last 14 years.” A few of my favorites: Pizza and steak … last text to my wife Julie … First job was Dog ’n Suds … Role models, John Woods and Mike Wallner … 2010 Lexus IS 250 … Favorite restaurants, Olive Garden and Ribeye … Favorite athletes, my girls’ team … Favorite TV shows, Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory … Favorite books, anything by John Grisham and Dan Brown … If I wasn’t coaching golf, I’d be coaching girls’ basketball … Three things on my bucket list, visit Hawaii, play golf at St. Andrews and coach my granddaughters. About Becker: “I know that lots of our seniors shot some of their best scores this year. I think he gave them positivity and didn’t put too much pressure on them, which I think helped. During some of the tournaments, when I’m really in my head, he helps me to calm down and relax. Then, I think, I did much better after that. (Making the sectional) was great. We didn’t do it last year, but with the seniors leaving it was a good end for them.” — Mia Hayasaki, Central sophomore