The Chaska golf team hosted Maple Grove (ranked #7 in state), Blake School (ranked #12), Eden Prairie and Eastview on May 12 for the Chaska Invitational at the Town Course. This event has been held for 28 years and is highly respected. This was the 11th meet in the Hawks 15-meet schedule for this season.

In the pre-match instructions to participating teams. Hawks Head Coach Jeff Rydland welcomed the teams, outlined pairings and covered the importance of keeping the course in good shape (repair divots, etc.).

Each golf meet has players of similar ranking playing together from the different teams. Players then met at the practice putting area and introduced each other before heading off to their first hole.

Maple Grove won the event with a 294, and Chaska finished second with 304, ahead of Eden Prairie at 312. EP beat out Blake School by one. Senior Nate Hoye got the low score for Chaska with a 74, helped by two birdies (one under par) on the back nine. Right behind Nate was Ty Smith (Sr.) with four birdies on the day and a 75, Griffin Stein (So.) with a 77, and then Tyler Schmieg (Sr.) with a 78.

After the rounds, Coach Rydland commented to the team, “You all played good today, that was our best team effort of the year. Many of you had personal bests, too, way to go. We’ve got a busy week, so let’s stay focused.”

On May 13, the Hawks had a dual meet with Shakopee at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. In a unique result for a golf meet, the teams tied at 317. Griffin Stein (So.) was low for Chaska with a 70, and he notched five birdies. Wesley Olver (So.) followed him with a 79.

The Hawks’ week continued on May 14 with the Sartell Invite at Blackberry Ridge. This match featured 14 schools from as far away as Bemidji. Chaska placed sixth with a 313. Braydon Soderstrom (Sr.) led Chaska with a 74. It was his turn to collect five birdies. He was followed by Griff Stein with a 76.

The Hawks have two more meets (May 19 & 20) before sectionals start on May 27.