“I didn’t really do anything that I wouldn’t do on a Saturday morning with the guys,” said Naumec. Maintaining that level of certainty and simplicity may be the key on Friday.

He’ll meet with reigning Massachusetts Mid-Amateur champion Ricky Stimets (Worcester Country Club) in the final, marking the first all-mid-am final since 2014.

Given the demanding physical nature of the format–144 holes, give or take, over five days–you’d think the young players would be at an advantage. But Stimets is reaping the benefits of a renewed focus on his fitness, and in true mid-am fashion, that has meant giving up the good stuff: “A lot of walking, gym, better diet, cut out sugars and fried food for the whole year. So that’s been tough, but it’s paying off, the sacrifice.”

Stimets went the distance in the afternoon, defeating Ethan Whitney (Oak Hill Country Club) 1-up on the heels of a 4&2 morning win over Danny Frodigh (Dedham Country & Polo Club).

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So how bad do you want this tomorrow?

Naumec: “Pretty bad. Yeah, I mean, last year, obviously with Ryan, I love Essex, and I remember posting on Instagram, ‘See everyone at Framingham next year,’ and set the tone to just say, you know, you have 365 days.”

Stimets: “I want it pretty bad. I know there’s a lot at stake. I’m trying to treat every day as, ‘Okay, one more step towards the U.S. Am spot.”