Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan men's golf team has been picked to finish second in the 2026 American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, the league office announced Thursday. The Prairie Wolves collected 56 points and one first-place vote, trailing only the University of Dubuque, which earned 64 points and eight first-place votes.
The preseason recognition follows a strong 2025 campaign and signals continued respect for the program under Head Coach Kean Kontor, who enters his second season leading the Prairie Wolves. Nebraska Wesleyan returns a veteran core that blends proven postseason experience with a sophomore class that made an immediate impact in the fall.
KEY RETURNERS
The Prairie Wolves return one of the region's top emerging players in sophomore Jacob Cosimano. Ranked No. 24 in the region, Cosimano posted a 73.0 scoring average during the fall season and recorded three top-three finishes, establishing himself as a consistent presence near the top of leaderboards.
Junior Harrison Weddell delivered one of the team's marquee performances in the fall, capturing an event title at the Midwest Region Classic with a 3-under-par finish, highlighted by a 69 on a par-72 course. His ability to perform in pressure situations and anchor the lineup will again be central to NWU's success.
Senior Brayden Schram, a returning All-Conference honoree, placed fifth at last year's A-R-C Championship and compiled a 75.38 scoring average during the fall slate. Schram's postseason experience and steady presence provide veteran leadership as the Prairie Wolves navigate the spring championship stretch.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Nebraska Wesleyan finished second at the 2025 A-R-C Championship with a three-day total of 924 at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa. The Prairie Wolves recorded four tournament victories during the 2025 campaign and added two runner-up finishes, reinforcing their status as one of the league's most consistent programs throughout the year.
2026 OUTLOOK
The Prairie Wolves open the spring season March 16–17 at the Doane Spring Invitational, an early opportunity to measure progress against regional competition. The A-R-C Championship is scheduled for April 26–28 at Glen Oaks Country Club in Des Moines, Iowa.
Entering the season ranked second in the preseason poll, Nebraska Wesleyan positions itself squarely in the conference title conversation. The Prairie Wolves will look to close the gap at the top of the league standings and secure an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time in five years.
FULL 2026 A-R-C PRESEASON POLL RESULTS
- University of Dubuque – 64 (8)
- Nebraska Wesleyan University – 56 (1)
- Central College – 47
- Luther College – 41
- Simpson College – 36
- Coe College – 26
- Wartburg College – 24
- Buena Vista University – 21
- Loras College – 9
UP NEXT
The Prairie Wolves will begin their spring season on March 16th at the Doane Spring Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska. The opening round will be held at Mahoney Golf Course at 10:00 AM.
