GALT, CA (MPG) - After 16 years of dedication and hard work, Liberty Ranch High School’s golf team, under the guidance of head coach Mike Turpin, has finally etched its name in the record books by winning the SVC league championship for the very first time. The season culminated in a thrilling showdown against Bradshaw Christian at the challenging Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, where the stakes were high and the pressure palpable.

“It was down to the wire and I couldn’t help but feel nervous,” Coach Turpin admitted as he reflected on the final match. “The boys kept me on edge, but their resilience throughout the season shone through when it mattered most.” 

The Liberty Ranch Golf team, which ended the league season with an impressive 12-2 record, showcased its talent in the previous round, achieving a season-low score of 204 in a victory against Galt. However, a third-place finish in the second league tournament, where they shot 461, put the Hawks in a tight spot as they approached the championship finale against Bradshaw. 

It seemed the golf gods might not be on their side early on, as Liberty Ranch found itself struggling at sixth place. 

“I was worried,” Turpin said, recalling those tense moments on the course. “But then, Chris Gutierrez came through for us with an 84, followed by Kobe Aguillen with a crucial 98. All the scores counted, and Chris was absolutely huge for us; he basically saved our day.”

As the day progressed, Bryton Gibson, Sean O’Brien and Trevor Schweitz also made key contributions, demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad. Yet it was sophomore Hunter Rohner, the league MVP, who led the charge all season long. 

“I’m just so proud of the boys,” Turpin expressed. “They played their hearts out and truly deserve this championship. We’re proud to say we can finally call ourselves league champions and hang that banner.”

Rohner, who has golfed for about seven years, shared his excitement upon being named MVP. 

“When they called my name, I was ecstatic! It’s pretty cool,” he gushed. “The scores that named me MVP come from all matches and tournaments combined across the season, and I played consistently well enough to earn enough points.” 

His journey into the sport began at a young age when his grandpa first introduced him to golf. 

“I was like 9 when I actually started trying to play. I took lessons, too,” Rohner noted. His commitment and passion have paid off, with him becoming an inspiration for his teammates and a key player in the team’s historic victory.

Rohner, a sophomore, also won league MVP last year as a freshman. He has aspirations to golf in college for a Division 1 university. 

“Hopefully from there, get on either the PGA or the Corn Ferry tour and just see where I can go,” said Rohner. “I'll probably major in either mathematics or something science, because I'm good at those.”

“None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from our parents, our athletic director, the administration and the boosters,” Coach Turpin added, extending special thanks to team mom Deseree Aguillen for her fundraising efforts, which played a pivotal role in their success. “She was a fundraising machine!”

As the Hawks celebrated their well-earned victory, Turpin looked ahead with optimism. 

“I’m overjoyed for these guys. It’s a huge relief to finally get to hang a banner as champions of the SVC! This win is not just for us; it's for everyone: our school, our families and every student who has ever worn the Liberty Ranch colors.” 

With their names freshly inscribed in the annals of the school’s history, the Liberty Ranch golf team enters a new era of pride and accomplishment, proving that hard work, perseverance and teamwork can lead to greatness on and off the golf course.