Austin Erickson and Justin Schipper have become vital pieces to the rise of the Iowa Central men's golf team.

Both will continue to lead the program, signing on to compete for the Tritons for an upcoming third year. 

Erickson and Schipper each finished inside the Top-30 this past spring at the national meet, helping Iowa Central to a program-best fourth place finish overall. 

"Justin and Austin deciding to come back is huge for our program," Iowa Central head coach Kris Graewin said. "The biggest thing that both of them bring is incredible leadership. They take it upon themselves to make this program what they want it to be and have done a great job of being fantastic ambassadors for Iowa Central.

"When you have guys like them in your program, it makes it so much fun going to work every day. I'm excited to have them back and I know we've got big goals we want to accomplish before our times at Iowa Central are done."

Erickson was the second-highest Triton finisher at nationals, placing 20th overall. Schipper was 28th. 

In the fall, Iowa Central earned a program-best No. 3 ranking by GolfStat. In the individual rankings, Schipper was 20th and Erickson 24th in NJCAA Div. II. 

"In thinking of my future and what is best for me, coming back to Iowa Central is what I decided," Erickson said. "It allows me to continue in the education I want while also playing golf in a place I'm comfortable. I love the atmosphere and the people at Iowa Central.

"Since my freshman year, I've grown a lot as a golfer, but more importantly, as a person. Here, you learn to be a great teammate, a great golfer and a great man. Going forward, I hope to improve in my comfort in competition. I want to be able to be the golfer I am in practice and with my friends when we are in the biggest moments."

Schipper closed out the fall with a runner-up performance at the Northwest Iowa Collegiate Showcase. Both Schipper and Erickson finished inside the Top-10 at the Region XI Fall Preview, helping the Tritons place second overall. 

"I decided to come back for my third year because of the brotherhood that we have created and to compete at a high level in the junior college division," Schipper said. "I have grown and matured as a golfer at Iowa Central because of Coach Graewin's encouragement and having a better understanding of the mental aspect of the game. I have also loved my time here a sa student because of the many resources we have and the instructors' knowledge that they pour into us.

"I am really excited to get back to work this year with a few of the guys that have been here since I got here two years ago and go do something special. This will be my last year playing at a competitive level and I want to use it as a time to soak it all in and really appreciate what this game has given to me."

-By Dana Becker