When Patrick Hastings ’26 approached the final hole of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Class 3AAA State Tournament for boys’ golf, he faced a 20-foot putt. The course at Bunker Hill Golf Club is known for its tough lies, but after sizing up the shot, Hastings moved the ball to within three feet of the hole. Turning to his fellow Red Knights, he said, “I’ve got this.”

Moments later, members of the BSM boys’ golf team erupted in cheers as Hastings indeed had the shot, sinking the putt that gave Benilde-St. Margaret’s its first boys’ team golf state title. The Red Knights defeated Waconia’s golf team by one shot.

“The highlight of winning the state title was celebrating with my team on the last green,” Hastings said, “The main catalyst for our team was perseverance and overcoming the struggles we had earlier this season. For our team, no matter how bad anyone plays, they’re always willing to support you and cheer you on.”

Dave Herbst, BSM’s boys’ golf head coach felt it was a memorable tournament. “Patrick is a very cool player, not letting anything get him rattled – the way it ended, the team achieving something very special this year.”

BSM was one of eight teams playing in the two-day tournament. After the first day the Red Knights were in fifth place. They were nine shots back from Maple Grove’s team which was in the lead. Coach Herbst believed in the Red Knights because of their hard work ethic and strength of character.

“Deep down, I never thought we were out of it. The boys have worked hard through practice and improved with each match,” Herbst said, noting, “They made improvements on the second day to capitalize on what they learned on the strokes they lost the first day.”

Hastings felt some pressure as he neared the end of the second day of play. After a strong start, play was interrupted mid-morning because of lightning and severe weather. When the three-hour delay was over, the team made its way back to the course, needing to refocus at chipping the 9-stroke deficit away. The team capitalized on costly mistakes by Maple Grove and inched closer to Waconia’s team. By the back nine, the Red Knights were in striking distance and knew what was possible.

Carter Callan ’25, is a team captain and also plays hockey at BSM. He understands the value of creating opportunities for the team to gather before and after match play. Bonding as friends made the team stronger when it came to the Sections and State Tournaments. “I believe the main driver of this state title is the cohesion of our team. Everyone on our team was truly doing it for the guy next to them,” Callan said, noting, “Golf is an individual sport but all the guys on our team care about each other. To be a Red Knight to me means I am part of a community.”

“The amount of support we got this week from alumni and current students was awesome. And the amount of congratulations calls, texts, or videos I have got from people inside the Red Knight community has been a bit overwhelming, but I love every part of it.” 

The team-first approach is something Coach Herbst has stressed for this year’s program. “My standards are high, each of us represent BSM, the players represent their family, and we all represent the game of golf.”

In his seventh year as coach, Herbst stresses that the student athletes do their best in class first and then on the course. “BSM won the Section academic conference award with a combined GPA of 3.866. It matters that the team does well in class first, and then on the course.”

The team responded to Herbst positive approach, finding ways to connect between matches and outside of school. And the results paid great dividends in 2024 with the state championship. Herbst believes in the team and their ability to keep playing over the summer to get stronger and even better for next year.

As the team worked together every day at practice, they found competitiveness by having mini contests which helped them handle the real pressure situations during the tournament. Callan notes that they were very grateful for the support and encouragement received throughout the season. “The entire golf team would like to thank our parents and coaches for always supporting us and helping us,” Callan said, “And to the Red Knight community I would like to say that this is one of many more championships coming home.” 

Herbst agrees and has enjoyed watching the team grow and get better on the course. For now, he’s just thrilled with what the team has achieved. “They went to Culvers after the tournament with their families,” Herbst said, adding, “They brought the trophy to show everyone – it’s not every year that you defeat Edina in the sections and win the state title – they earned the right to celebrate.”

Congratulations to the 2024 MSHSL Boys’ Golf State Champion Red Knights!