Hillcrest Academy achieves perfection with state title

The Hillcrest Academy boys’ golf team (pictured) is heading to the Class 1A state tournament after being crowned district champions on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Hunter Moeller/The Union) — The Hillcrest Academy boys’ golf team (pictured) was crowned Class 1A State Champions after shooting a 650 at Ames Golf and Country Club in the Class 1A State Golf Championships. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)

AMES — Hillcrest Academy boys golf had never won a state championship, until Tuesday afternoon.

The Ravens completed an impeccable comeback on the second day at Ames Golf and Country Club in the Class 1A State Golf Championships.

When all was said and done, Hillcrest Academy sat with a team total of 650, five shots better than second-place West Fork who had 655.

With the title, the Ravens complete a historic 53-0 season.

The Ravens showed poise and never wavered as they played some of their best golf of the season when it matter most.

Through the opening round, the Ravens put together an efficient round of golf.

They shot a 53 over-par and 337 as a team, finishing with 165 on the front nine and 172 on the back. The total was good enough for a third-place finish at the end of Day One.

Freshman Rowan Miller led the Ravens through the opening round with an 81 at 10-over-par.

Despite being in third, the Ravens were right where they wanted to be as they sat just two stroke behind leading CAM, Anita who finished with 335.

Remsen-St. Mary’s held the second spot with 336.

The Ravens were slow out of the gate on Tuesday, carding a 166 through the opening nine and falling down to fifth with an overall of 503.

Regardless, Remsen-St. Mary’s only held a three-stroke lead with an overall of 500.

Everything changed in the final nine holes of golf.

Hillcrest Academy saved its best for last as it shot an amazing 147 on the back nine, its best of the season through nine holes.

The Schrock brothers were outstanding in the final round.

Senior Luke and sophomore Liam both shot 2-under-par 34s.

Miller continued to play well, carding a 39. Senior Jace Rempel ended with 40, Josiah Beachy shot 45 and Seth Ours finished with 51.

In the second round of 18, the Ravens shot a low of 313, good enough to propel them to the title.

Total scores for the Ravens on the second day were Miller and Luke Schrock each with 75, Liam Schrock with an 81, Rempel 82, Beachy 91 and Seth Ours with 99.

For Hillcrest Academy athletics, it’s the first title since the 2009 boys cross county team. It’s the seventh title all-time across all programs.