NORMAL, ILL.—Posting another memorable round as part of a record-setting senior year, Central College's Harold Dobernecker (Nevada) posted a 2-under-par 69 and is tied for the top spot in a power-packed 36-hole Illinois Wesleyan Invitational Friday.
           
The oversized 37-team field is spread out over two courses. Central shot 307 on the par-71 Weibring Golf Course Friday and is tied for 18th place. The Dutch take on the par-72 Ironwood Golf Course Saturday.
           
Host Illinois Wesleyan, ranked No. 4 in the Bushnell/Golfweek DIII Coaches' Poll, tops the team standings at 283 followed by Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) at 294 with No. 21Wisconsin-Eau Claire tied for third with Hope College (Mich.) at 297. American Rivers foe Nebraska Wesleyan University is tied for seventh at 301with Simpson College tied for 33rd at 325.
           
Dobernecker shares first with Quinn Clifford of Illinois Wesleyan, who shot 70 at the Ironwood course. Dobernecker birdied three of the last six holes to post a 2-under-par 33 on the back nine following an even-par 36 on the front. He had five birdies on the day and finished one shot off his career best.
           
"Harold is just playing really well," coach Mel Blasi said. "He's hitting fairways and greens. He made some putts, but he struck the ball very well. His birdie putts were short and he didn't let them get away. He made a nice birdie on the last hole from about eight feet and he said he hit it to within six feet on (Nos.) 13 and 14."
           
Kayden Pendergrass (junior, Mount Vernon) carded a 78 while John Oltman (senior, Pella) and Jacob Moffett (senior, Mount Pleasant) each shot 80 and
Cole McGriff (senior, Grinnell) had 82. Playing as an at-large entrant, Blake Wynn (sophomore, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) shot 79.
           
"Other than Harold, we didn't hit a lot of very good shots today," Blasi said. "We just struggled off the tee and were getting in bad position. Kayden Pendergrass said he probably had his worst ball-striking round he's had in a while, but he hung in there. I think we'll play better tomorrow."
           
The Ironwood course presents a different challenge.
           
"I think the Weibring course is a lot more difficult around the greens," Blasi said. "But the Ironwood course is long, so we'll have to strike the ball better or we won't score."
           
Central's place finish could swing wildly in the crowded field.
           
"Nebraska Wesleyan is only six ahead of us and they're in seventh place," Blasi said. "So we have a real opportunity to move up."