The start of our Hillcrest Academy countdown of the top 10 athletic stories from the last academic year takes us inside one of the jewels of southeast Iowa sports venues, Hillcrest Union. The athletic center, on the campus of Hillcrest Academy in Kalona, was built in 1955, and has hosted thousands of activities and athletic events. The Hillcrest Union Restoration Project got a kick start when the school was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Casey’s General Stores Cash for Classrooms program. With these funds, new sideline bleachers were installed with walkways and handrails to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for Raven and visiting fans alike. Along with the gym, the Raven weight room received a fresh coat of paint and branded weight racks and benches. These projects were completed in April.