HRV boys take first place at Invitational

“Fortunately we had great weather for early spring, mostly sunny and highs in the upper 40s,” Mason said.

This year, the HRV boys team is lucky to have a talented field of players with some notable freshman additions to the roster. Seniors Davis Kerr (three-time state qualifier), John Olsen (2024 state qualifier) and Aiden Willis headline the varsity.

Also added to the roster is freshmen David Sheppard Jr. (playing No. 2 varsity) and Aksel Betz (playing No. 4 varsity). Also in the mix are junior Josh McLaughlin and freshmen Wyatt Bahn and Ren Sandahl.

“Over the last two weeks of practice, we have been diligently working to form our starting five varsity lineup to prepare for this season opener. I can say without a doubt this is my most talented team since I’ve started coaching in 2019. I’ve seen what my top-5 can do during practice rounds and they are good,” Mason said. “Although [the players] will tell you they didn’t play their best in our invitational, it was our best team total since I started.”

The boys varsity recorded a team total of 341, good enough for first place. Mason said that the team’s leader, Olsen, scored a 90.

“It was a rough day for him, as a previous state qualifier, he is more than capable of scoring in the 70’s. Sometimes things just don’t go right and it’s hard to right the ship. John is a team leader for our crew and will bounce back very easily.”

Kerr and Sheppard Jr. tied for third as they both recorded individual scores of 84. Sheppard Jr. was HRV’s No. 2 golfer at the invitational.

Mason had this to say about his No. 3 golfer, Davis Kerr: “Davis is as steady as they come on the course and always reliable for good team golf. Davis is a multi-sport athlete, team leader and is most comfortable in competition and great to have on our squad.

The biggest surprise was HRV’s No. 4 golfer, freshman Aksel Betz. Aksel finished with a score of 83 in the tournament and took home second place.

Mason showed gratitude for Tyson Jacobs & Indian Creek Golf Course for hosting practices and events for the high school.

“Being able to use this facility is a huge factor in our success. Also a shout out to Xani Orton (Divots Manager) for always taking care of us with food and everything and always being a huge supporter,” Mason said.

Notable Scores from HRV JV players:

(Freshman) Wyatt Bahn (94), Wyatt has a bright future for HRV Golf. Wyatt plays many Jr tournaments as well and also works outside of practice with lessons. Don’t be surprised if Wyatt makes some cameos on the varsity squad this season.

(Freshman) Ren Sandahl (97), another exceptional freshman golfer. Ren will be a huge addition to our program in the coming years.

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HRV head coach Erin Mason contributed to this report.