HIT Tradition Soars With Storied History
Polyester jerseys and knee-high socks dashed across the red H at the midcourt of the old gym during the inaugural Hillcrest Invitational Basketball Tournament (HIT) in 1967. Fifty years later, this one-day, eight-team tournament is going strong, with a following, thanks to Bill Colbeck, the then-athletic director who initiated it.
Fans crowded the stage at the circle crest of Lutheran Brethren Schools to watch Hillcrest’s varsity team compete against seven teams from Lutheran Brethren (LB) churches. After Bill Colbeck closed the scoring book on the first tournament, the Hillcrest Academy varsity team celebrated under the basket, taking their championship photos. This tradition persists to this day.
In subsequent years, Hillcrest's varsity team withdrew from the tournament. Their established program outmatched the church teams during the HIT's early years. Colbeck launched the tournament to foster competitive sports at the Castle during a period when private schools were excluded from the Minnesota State High School League. Over time, the tournament shifted from focusing on Hillcrest athletics to a major community event in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (LB), building special bonds and life-changing relationships around basketball.
The tournament expanded from a one-day event to a two-day, 64-team spectacle. Churches now rent gym space each fall to prepare for the event at Hillcrest Academy. The HIT championship trophy and coveted white champions’ hats carry significant bragging rights for LB churches.
In its early years, specific rules allowed churches to use the tournament as a ministry tool. After Colbeck passed the tournament leadership to Paul and Mark Levang, they reinforced guidelines to maintain a distinctly LB character and consistent church attendance among the teams. Richard Risbrudt later organized the tournament, managing its growth as the number of teams increased and the vetting process became more complex. Under Charlie Brue, the tournament grew to bring in local businesses and celebrate the community. Now, under Ryan Garvin, increased participation from Hillcrest students seasons the tournament into a dynamic community event that is an anchor on many calendars.
As Hillcrest Academy broadened its influence, diverse teams formed, including alumni and friends from communities beyond the LB. The tournament, still centered on Christ, begins with prayers led by pastors and organizers. The HIT retains its unique Gospel essence and LB influence, making it a prime venue for Hillcrest reunions and LB reconnections. It continues to attract those seeking a Christ-centered community where individuals strive to embody and articulate their faith on and off the court.