Lynn Wilhelm
CherryRoad Media

With the district tournament in sight, the Syracuse boys golf team took one final tune-up trip to Hidden Valley Golf Course on Monday, May 12, competing in the Lincoln Christian Dave McEwen Invitational.

The invitational honors the late Coach Dave McEwen, a beloved Lincoln Christian golf coach remembered not just for helping athletes improve their scores, but also for instilling character along the way. McEwen passed away in 2021, but his impact on high school golf continues.

Fittingly, golf once again proved to be a builder of character as the Rockets faced a challenging par-70 course — and a strong field of competitors.

The Syracuse team rose to the occasion, finishing 4th out of 12 teams with a combined score of 349.

Leading the way for the Rockets was Wyatt Higgins, who posted a steady 84 (40 front, 44 back) to claim 7th place individually.

Close behind were Carter Kreifels with an 86, Mason Lintz with an 87, and Brennan Schroeder with a consistent 92. Cade Stephenson rounded out the team scoring with a 100.

Top team scores were Lincoln Christian 312, Milford 334, Johnson County Central 340, and Syracuse 349.

Head Coach James Conradi noted the team’s steady improvement throughout the spring and praised the boys for their focus and sportsmanship.

“This course demands both accuracy and patience,” he said. “We saw some great composure out there today — exactly what we’ll need next week at districts.”

The Rockets now set their sights on the district golf meet at Crooked Creek Golf Course near Lincoln on Monday, May 19.