WEST DES MOINES — Improved play across the board put the Central College men's golf team into third place at the end of the American Rivers Conference Championships Tuesday.
           
Central garnered third-place honors with a three-day score of 296-328-298—922. The University of Dubuque was the team champion at 287-299-298.
           
"It was great to see us bounce back and have a great closing round today," coach Mel Blasi said.
           
At the top of the lineup, Carter Yurgae (sophomore, West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) shared fourth place and finished fifth following a scorecard playoff. He finished with a 69-78-74—221.
           
Luke Hardiwck from Dubuque was the individual medalist at 67-74-72—213.
           
Maison Brandt (sophomore, Byron, Ill.) also merited all-conference status with a 10th place finish. He carded a three-round total of 71-79-77—227.
           
"It was a great finish for Maison," Blasi said. "And Carter capped off a fantastic spring season."
           
Blake Wynn (senior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) took 27th (77-85-76—238), Crew Klingner (sophomore, Williamsburg) was 30th (82-86-72--240) and Lincoln Eighmy (junior, Carlisle) was 38th (79-92-76--76) to round out the Dutch lineup.
           
"I was especially pleased that both Lincoln and Crew jumped out and played well from the fourth and fifth spots," Blasi said. "Crew was great all day and gave us a boost. And it was important to see Lincoln come back strong day."
           
Wynn is the lone senior in the Dutch lineup while the other four are set to come back.
           
"We will really miss Blake next season," Blasi said. "He has been 100% committed to our program all four years. As a captain and a leader, he has been a great example for the younger players.
           
"With our four of our top five players back, I'm excited about our team. They're all hard workers in the classroom and on the golf course. It's been a fun group to coach. The future is bright."