CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has released its 2026 Men's Golf Preseason Coaches' Poll, and defending champion University of Dubuque has been tabbed as the favorite to repeat at the championship later this spring. The Spartans collected 64 points and eight first-place votes. Nebraska Wesleyan University claimed the runner-up spot with 56 points, edging Central College (47 points) and Luther College (41 points). 

The 2026 season will tee off this weekend with Buena Vista taking the course in Texas on Sunday. The conference championship will conclude the year in West Des Moines, Iowa at Glen Oaks Country Club. The championship is slated for April 26-28. 
 

2026 American Rivers Conference Men's Golf Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	University of Dubuque (8)	64
2.	Nebraska Wesleyan University (1)	56
3.	Central College	47
4.	Luther College	41
5.	Simpson College	36
6.	Coe College	26
7.	Wartburg College	24
8.	Buena Vista University	21
9.	Loras College	9

Head coach Dustin Bierman enters his 11th season at the helm after guiding the University of Dubuque to the 2025 conference championship. With four starters returning and all-conference performers John Dobbe and Luke Harwick back in the lineup, the Spartans remain the team to beat. Key returners Paul Bloomquist, Joe LaBarbera, and Bob Ryan provide proven depth. Despite the graduation of Carter Ruegsegger, the Spartans blend of experience and leadership positions UD for another strong title defense. 

"Looking forward to the spring season with this group and our guys have worked very hard this offseason," said Bierman. "Excited to see how this team comes together throughout the season. Been very pleased with the leadership in the fall season and hopefully we can carry that over to the spring. Should be a fun journey to the conference tournament at Glen Oaks in April."

Coming off a runner-up finish in 2025, Nebraska Wesleyan University returns four starters and two all-conference golfers in Brayden Schram and Jackson Lapour. Head coach Kean Kontor's squad boasts a deep roster, led by Harrison Weddell, Schram, and Lapour, all who recorded tournament wins or record-tying rounds. 

"We are excited about the direction of our program and the work our guys have put in," added Kontor. "We have good depth and strong leadership, and a group that understands what it takes to compete in this league. The A-R-C is always challenging, but we are focused on continuing to improve every time we tee it up and putting ourselves in position to be successful when it matters most."

Under eighth-year head coach Mel Blasi, Central College returns four starters from its 2025 fourth-place squad. Maison Brandt anchors the lineup after finishing fifth place at last year's championship. Blake Wynn and Carter Yurgae add experience and consistency. 

"We are still a very young squad that is learning every time we play," said Blasi. "It is a fun group to work with."

Luther College faces significant turnover after losing four all-conference golfers, but returns standout Owen King, who finished fourth at the 2025 championship. King posts a 75.8 scoring average with two top-five finishes last season. The Norse are led by Scott Fjelstul in his 39th year. 

"We are very excited for all the opportunities we have this spring and to play the A-R-C Championship at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines," said Fjelstul. "It is one of the best private country clubs in Iowa and it is a great course to hold our championship."

Simpson College brings back all five starters from its fifth-place finish and features two returning all-conference performers in Blake Perrin and Jackson Tennis. Perrin led the Storm last season with a 74.9 scoring average, while Tennis posted a 76.0 mark. With seniors Brad Kofoed and Jack Wahman adding experience, Simpson's veteran lineup aims to continue the climb to the top. Simpson is led by Jeremy Johnson in his fifth season at the helm. 

"This is an experienced team that feels like we let a few shots get away from us late last year in the conference championship," added Johnson. "We have goals set to finish higher in the standings this spring. If we continue to put in the work, I think we have the ability to reach our goals. We have a strong spring schedule that should prepare us well for Glen Oaks at the end of the year."

Coe College enters the spring season with three returning starters and a youthful roster under head coach Eric Karius. Senior Sam Scully and junior Reece Breitenbach lead the Kohawks. 

"We have a lot of youth in the program right now and I like where the program is headed," noted Karius. "We hope to continue to build off a solid fall and look forward to competing this spring season."

Wartburg College returns just one starter from the 2025 championship, making this a transition year for head coach Jason Steege's program. Sophomores Duke Taylor and Vaughn Tyler headline a young roster that has focused heavily on offseason preparation. The Knights will look to develop depth and peak at the right time heading into the championship. 

"Our team is really excited about the upcoming spring season," said Steege. "Everyone has been putting in the time this winter to prepare themselves for the opportunities in front of us. We have a great spring schedule that will help get us ready to compete in the A-R-C Championship at Glen Oaks Country Club in late April."

Led by seventh-year head coach Joe Powell, Buena Vista University brings back five starters from the 2025 championship squad. They return Matthew Turpen, who earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season. Turpen and Gabe Kramer both recorded multiple top-five finishes during the fall. 

"The BVU men's team is excited to return to Glen Oaks for the 2026 Championship and continue raising the standard year over year," said Powell. "This is the most experienced group we have had during my time at BVU, featuring a strong blend of veteran leadership and proven contributors. After a productive fall season, we are looking forward to testing ourselves against the conference as championship play approaches in late April."

Loras College begins a new era under first-year head coach Steve Reilly. The Duhawks return three starters and will rely on Will Coohey, their lowest returning average, to anchor the lineup. Loras will focus on growth and consistency as it builds toward future success.

"Guys have been putting in a lot of hard work over the winter with the anticipation of the upcoming season," wrote Reilly. "Looking forward to competing and improving with each day along with each tournament."

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