ALTOONA, WISCONSIN— Despite improvement on the scorecard, the Central College men's golf team dropped a spot in the standings and closed in 12th place in the 18-team Frank Wrigglesworth Invitational Monday.
           
Competing at the par-71 Eau Claire Golf and Country Club, the Dutch shot 319-315—634. American Rivers foe Nebraska Wesleyan University won with 297-293—590. Tourney host Wisconsin-Eau Claire had a pair of teams tie for second. The Blugolds shot 300-292—592 while their B team carded 304-288—592.
           
Freshman Maison Brandt (Byron, Ill.) had Central's low round of the day and finished tied for 28th at 79-76—155. Another freshman, Crew Klingner (Williamsburg) made three birdies and tied for 49th in the 104-player field with 81-78—159. Bautista Valeiras (freshman, Naples, Fla., Gulf Coast) shot 78-82—160, Kayden Pendergrass (senior, Mount Vernon)  had 82-79—161 and Carter Yurgae (freshman, West Des Moines, Dowling) had 81-85—166. At-large entrant Blake Wynn (junior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard) shot 76-82—158.
           
"For the most part we played much better today," coach Mel Blasi said. "Maison and Crew really played well. But the firm and fast greens really hurt us."
           
Blasi said the anticipated growing pains with his youthful squad are challenging.
           
"Our freshmen have really gotten thrown in to the fire in these first three tournaments," he said. "But I like their competitive spirit. There has been a pretty big learning curve for them and I think they will be much better because of the experience."
           
Plenty of time on the Ryerson Golf Practice Facility on campus is ahead for the Dutch as they don't return to action until Oct. 7-8 when they play host to the Central Fall Classic at the par-72 Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City. Central was second in a 17-team field at the tourney last fall.