3rd Annual Raider Open Golf Tournament Brings Raider Spirit to the Links

August 1, 2025

The 3rd Annual Raider Open Golf Tournament brought together nearly 200 alumni, parents, and friends of Cretin-Derham Hall on July 28 at the scenic Mendakota Country Club for a day of spirited competition, community celebration, and support for CDH athletics and activities. The event featured two shotgun starts in the morning and afternoon to double the fun and friendly rivalry on the course.  The proceeds from the Raider Open will provide CDH students with an opportunity to compete in a best-in-class athletics and activities program by reducing registration fees for students who qualify.

President Jeb Myers noted:  “the generosity on the course makes being a part of a Raider team accessible for families. Students learn team work, goal setting, perseverance, resiliency, while building character, and creating lifelong bonds through sports and activities.” 

On the Course: Standout Scores and Individual Honors

Morning Session Highlights

• Men’s Team Winners: Michael Floyd’s team and Buzz Hannahan’s team both posted at -10 under par

• Individual Winners:

• Longest Drives: Tony Barbato ‘11 and Sam Holm ‘22

• Closest to the Pin: Doug Fischer and Dan Lewer ‘98

• Longest Putts: Chuck Owens ‘24 and John Mazzitello ‘88

Afternoon Session Highlights

• Men’s Team Winner: Joe Honsa ‘25 with the top-scoring team, including his dad, Mike Honsa ‘96, at and impressive -20 under par

• Women’s Team Winner: Emmy Springer, Mary Alice Ritt Noel, Taffy Karel, Betsy Horan Jessen ‘73 at -7 under
  

• Individual Winners:

• Longest Drives: Steve Haider ‘94 and Molly Ploetz ‘17
  

• Closest to the Pin:  Emmy Springer and Alex Becky
  

• Longest Putts:  Erin Noel ‘10 and Mark Whaley

More Than a Tournament: Community, Tradition, and Impact

Founded in 2023, the Raider Open is about more than golf; it’s a key initiative to build community while raising funds to offset student athletic and activity fees. Attendees heard updates from CDH Athletic Director Matt Funk, who emphasized the department’s philosophy: Culture Creates Champions.  President Jeb Myers and Athletic Director Matt Funk hosted a program at the dinner, which featured two student-athletes who spoke about their experiences at CDH. 

Kendall Klecatsky ‘26, is the senior captain for the CDH Girls Golf Team.  She said, “the CDH community support allows Raiders like me to develop, compete, grow, and represent our school with pride. This past season wasn’t just about scores or matches, it was about the opportunities and moments that we’ll carry with us.”  Jojo Mitchell ‘26 represented the CDH Boys Basketball team and thanked everyone for their generosity.  Jojo looks forward to the season with more teammates, more memories, and more Raiders working together in a championship culture.

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors, including:

• Title Sponsor: Hays Financial Group (Brian Whinnery ’98)
  

• Lunch Sponsor: CareAParent (Grace Todora Kinne ‘11 and Dominic Todora ‘10)
  

• Dinner Sponsor: EXP Realty (Michael Floyd ’08)
  

• Gold Sponsors: AIS - Advanced Imaging Solutions,
  Mauer Auto Group (Jake Mauer ‘97 and Tony Leseman ‘01),
  RBC Wealth Management (Mike Dickson ‘83)
  

• Purple Sponsors: Mancini's Char House and Commanding Edge
  

• Many other generous local businesses and Raider supporters!

The Raider Open continues to grow into a can’t-miss summer event for the CDH community. With strong community participation, spirited competition, and a powerful purpose, the 2025 Raider Open is already shaping up to be another Raider tradition. See you next year on the greens: July 27, 2026!