During the 2023 season, the Hillcrest Academy Raven golf team found the formula for success. Steady starts, strong finishes and consistent scoring throughout the lineup. This week, it was all on display at the Ames Golf and Country Club for the Class 1A State Golf Championships, as Hillcrest closed out an unbeaten dream season with the program’s first ever state championship.

On day one, as the Ravens adjusted to the pressure and their new surroundings, they shot a 53-over-par 337 as a team, 165 on the front and 172 on the back, holding third place. Freshman Rowan Miller paced the Ravens through their opening 18 with a 10-over-par 81. Hillcrest was looking up at Remsen-St. Mary’s 336 and leader CAM, Anita with their 335. With a two shot margin to erase, the Ravens came out on day two trying to find traction.

Tuesday started slowly for Hillcrest as well, posting an opening nine 166, they fell to fifth place at the turn with their 503 team score and Remsen-St. Marys in the lead at 500. Following their front nine, Hillcrest head coach Phil Schintler joined KCII Sports in the clubhouse in Ames to talk about the keys for his team down the stretch. “We’re sitting better than we were yesterday. We just have to manage the last nine holes. We get stronger I think as we play any tournament. I think if anything is going to work in our favor, it’s that.”

On their final nine holes of the season, with a championship on the line, the Ravens delivered. Hillcrest shot an unbelievable 147 on the back nine, their best nine holes of the season, and likely a school record. The Ravens closed with sizzling second nines from the Schrock brothers. Senior Luke and sophomore Liam each carded two-under-par 34s. Other scores included Rowan Miller 39, Jace Rempel 40, Josiah Beachy 45 and Seth Ours 51. With the phenomenal second half of their second day, the Ravens ended with a 313 second 18, and 650 championship team score for the two day, 36-hole event, five better than second place West Fork with 655. During their title celebration the Ravens joined KCII sports to talk about how it felt.

Rempel and Beachy said, “It’s very overwhelming to finish our high school golf careers with a state championship.”

Miller continued, “It’s just something special. It’s exciting!”

Luke Schrock added, “It’s amazing! When does winning not feel amazing!?”

Liam Schrock said, “It feels amazing! I knew we had a good shot of winning coming in. On day one we gave ourselves a good shot. I like this feeling!”

Seth Ours finished, “Winning a state title my first year playing, and with this group of guys, it’s an amazing feeling! It’s surreal. I’m going to enjoy every moment of it!”

Full individual scores on day two included Miller and Luke Schrock with 75s, Liam Schrock 81, Jace Rempel 82, Josiah Beachy 91 and Seth Ours 99. The state team appearance was the first in golf for the Ravens since 1997. The 1A championship is the first in any sport at Hillcrest Academy since the 2009 boys cross country team, seventh in school history across all sports, and closes an historic undefeated 53-0 season.