Klein asks for community support

Clap, cheer, it’s not against the rules. You just can’t coach or talk strategy. But smile, gesture, support them. Let the kids play and enjoy it. It’s a great game.”

Head Coach Matt Klein

It was a packed and competitive stretch for the Hastings Boys Golf team, with multiple meets that tested the Raiders against strong programs across the metro.
The week started with a home invite at the Hastings Golf Club, where Mahtomedi edged Hastings by three strokes, 307 to 310. St. Thomas Academy finished third and Hill-Murray rounded out the four-team field. Hastings was led by senior Jon Harris and sophomore David Bauer, both posting a strong 75 (+3). Seniors Luke Kendall and Drew Greiner followed closely with 80s (+8), Trey Bremer shot an 87 (+15), and junior Drew Mamer finished with a 91 (+19).
“We’ve got a really deep squad,” said Head Coach Matt Klein during the week. “You know, I know we finished second on Monday, but we led the tourney for four hours of the four and a half. Everyone’s going to have a good day or an okay day, but when you’re deep, you can mix and match pretty well.”
That depth showed again during a meet against Park of Cottage Grove, Woodbury, and Prescott. Park edged out Hastings by just four strokes, 303 to 307. Woodbury finished at 323 and Prescott at 365.
Harris and Bauer once again led the way, each carding a 74 (+3), tying for second place individually. Kendall followed with a 78 (+7), Greiner an 81 (+10), Bremer an 82 (+11), and Mason Leary added an 83 (+12).
Coach Klein highlighted how valuable that depth is, especially when different players can step up. “It even goes beyond our top six. I think we probably have about nine kids that are knocking on the door for maybe our last two spots,” he said. “We’ve solidified three, probably four. But exactly that, if one kid struggles, someone else steps up.”
On April 17, Hastings hosted a 12-team invitational where they finished third, only five strokes behind first-place Eagan (310) and four behind runner-up Rosemount (311). The Raiders posted a 315 (+27), ahead of St. Thomas Academy and Lakeville North, who tied at 323.
Harris (77) and Bauer (78) again led the Raiders, while Kendall and Brayden Krauth each shot 80. Bremer followed with 82, and Greiner closed out the lineup with a 90.
Coach Klein emphasized that it's not just about scores, it’s about how players respond to adversity. “Everyone’s going to make a bogey, but what kids do next is what’s most important,” he said. “So far, we’ve kept double bogey or worse off the card. Practice has been good. Kids are competing.”
Beyond the performance on the course, Klein sees golf as a chance to teach bigger lessons. “You’re the official too, right? There’s no ref out here. These kids are learning accountability, integrity. It’s about protecting the field and handling situations with maturity.”
He also praised the camaraderie on the team and how that impacts the younger players. “Griner’s been awesome,” he said. “He’s in our number four spot right now and playing great, but it’s what he does with our younger kids at practice, that leadership, the excitement over little things. That’s what connects the dots.”
For fans looking to support the team, Klein encourages them to come out and enjoy the sport. “Clap, cheer, it’s not against the rules. You just can’t coach or talk strategy,” he said with a smile. “But smile, gesture, support them. Let the kids play and enjoy it. It’s a great game.”
With consistent performances and a strong, supportive roster, Hastings remains in the mix as one of the top contenders in Class AAA, Section 3 heading into the latter part of the season.