EAST LANSING — Turns out, there's a good reason Kalamazoo Hackett was ranked No. 1 in the Division 4 golf poll.
The Fighting Irish followed up an opening-day round 286 with a 301 at Michigan State's Forest Akers East Saturday to win the state title by 19 strokes over White Pigeon. Hackett finished with a 587. White Pigeon fired a 606.
Traverse City St. Francis, the defending state champions, placed third at 611.
The Gladiators, who posted a 299 Friday, trailed Hackett by 13 strokes entering Saturday's final round.
"We knew we had to put pressure on Hackett right out of the chute — and it didn't happen," St. Francis coach Ken Hornyak said. "We got off to a slow start — missed too many putts, had a couple bogeys."
Hackett shot 301 Saturday. The Fighting Irish were led by Sheldon Keyte, who had rounds of 68 and 72 for a 140.
"They had four scores in the 70s (both days)," Hornyak said. "All you can do is congratulate them. They deserved it. They have good talent. They played fabulous golf.
"(Senior) Andrew Walukonis said before (Saturday's) round, 'If they shoot anywhere near what they did Friday they deserve to win.' We tried. We just came up short."
Patrick Colburn led the Gladiators on Saturday with a 74. Tony Casciano added a 77, Walukonis 80 and Keadon Hornyak 81. For the two days, Colburn was at 149, Casciacno 150, Walukonis 152 and Hornyak 160.
"The kids played their tails off," Hornyak said. "They never gave up. They played well."
Harbor Springs finished sixth with a 632. The Rams fired a 308 Saturday. Leading the way were Duke Dyksterhouse (79-71-150), Tyler Parkins (78-75-153), Peter Breighner (82-77-159) and Alex Green (85-86-171).
Manistee Catholic placed 10th with a 656. Pacing the Sabers were Zach Bialik (74-78-152), Nick Kolanowski (81-77-158), Zach Luomala (87-84-171) and Zach Smith (82-93-175).
Glen Lake finished 11th overall after posting a 333 round Saturday.
Matt O'Brien's 76 led the Lakers. Matt Abramson followed with an 83, Steve King 86 and Paul Watkowski 88. For two days. O'Brien was at 149, Abramson 166, King 170 and Watkowski 174.
The Lakers started three sophomores and a freshman.
"We had a great season," coach Fred O'Brien said. "What else can I say? Hopefully, we can build upon this next season."
Among the individuals, Suttons Bay's Charlie Olson came in at 150, Lake Leelanau St. Mary's Paul Bardenhagen 154 and Inland Lakes' Brandon Vizina 157.
White Pigeon's Chase Olsen tied Keyte at 140, then won a playoff with a birdie on the third hole to win medalist honors.
In Division 1, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central won the team title with a 606. Traverse City West's John Cannon, who shot an opening round, 80 withdrew Saturday.
Notre Dame Prep captured Division 2 with a 634. Petoskey placed 14th with a 679. Joey Garber (78-74-152) paced the Northmen. He was followed by Jamie Braddock (88-83-171), Ian Haven (83-91-174) and Hunter Pulaski (95-90-185). Garber tied for sixth overall.
Gaylord's Zach Rygwelski came in at 153.
Jackson Lumen Christi took Division 3 with a 634. Charlevoix was 12th with a 699. Leading the Rayders were Tyler Jones (85-73-158), Wyatt Drost (85-88-173), Gunnar Whitley (92-88-180), Ryan Wimmer (93-96-189) and Thomas Rich (95-95-190).
Grayling's Taylor Desenfants (76-77-153) tied Kalamazoo Christian's Jacob Rykse for medalist honors, but lost a playoff on the first hole.
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