WEST DES MOINES – Some late-round misfires slowed the early momentum for the Central College men's golf team as it opened in seventh at the 54-hole American Rivers Championships Sunday.
           
The University of Dubuque grabbed the first-round lead at 290 on the par-71 Glen Oaks Country Club layout, eight shots ahead of defending champion and tourney favorite Luther College with Simpson College third at 299. Central carded a 310, a shot behind Buena Vista University and Loras College, while Wartburg College is another shot back at 311.
           
"Our guys really stayed in the game today," coach Mel Blasi said. "It was a tough day with very difficult pin positions. Still, I thought we were in a decent position through 11 holes but 12-14 really hurt us."
           
Central's top four players were a collective 9-over-par on those three holes.
           
Crew Klingner (freshman, Williamsburg) and Kayden Pendergrass (senior, Mount Vernon) each shot 77 and stand in a tie for 17th. Carter Ruegsegger of Dubuque is the leader with a 2-under 69.
           
"Crew Klingner played brilliantly all day but caught a bad break on 17 that cost him a quadruple bogey," Blasi said.
           
Carter Yurgae (freshman, West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) and Maison Brandt (freshman, Byron, Ill.) while Blake Wynn (junior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) shot 83.
           
"Overall, I was happy with the way the guys fought," Blasi said. "I know they're excited to get back out there tomorrow and improve on today."
           
Monday's second round tees off at 9 a.m.