NORMAL, ILL.—Central College's Harold Dobernecker (senior, Nevada) persevered through fierce winds to tie for fifth at the Illinois Wesleyan Invitational men's golf tourney Saturday.
           
Dobernecker carded a 1-over-par 73 at the Ironwood Golf Course to go with a 2-und3er 69 at the Weibring Golf Course Friday for a 1-under 142 overall. Nate Loxtercamp took medalist honors in the 37-team field with 72-68—140.
           
"Harold had a fantastic tournament against a terrific field of highly ranked teams," coach Mel Blasi said. "He played another great round today and if a few breaks had gone his way at the end, he very well may have been the tournament champion."
           
But Central slipped to 22nd in the team standings at 307-309—616. Cole McGriff (senior, Grinnell) rebounded to finish at 82-75--157. John Oltman (senior, Pella) shot 80-78—158, Kayden Pendergrass (junior, Mount Vernon) had 78-83--161 and Jacob Moffett (senior, Mount Pleasant) had 80-83—163.
           
Host Illinois Wesleyan, ranked No. 4 in the Bushnell/Golfweek DIII Coaches' Poll, was an easy winner at 283-285—568. Bethel University (Minn.) was second at 300-292—592.                        

"We struggled as a team for consistency from our (Nos.) 2-5 players," Blasi said. "But it was great to see Cole McGriff with a good round today and John Oltman played his last 10 holes 2-under-par to throw in a decent score."
           
Playing as an at-large entrant, Blake Wynn (sophomore, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) had a good weekend with 79-75--154.
           
"Blake had another great tournament," Blasi said. "He is an excellent ball striker and very capable of helping us in the top five."
           
Central has a rare dual match slated Thursday with Simpson College at West Des Moines starting at 1:30 p.m. It's an opportunity for the teams to preview the Glen Oaks Country Club course that will be the site of the American Rivers tourney April 28-30.