UCM's Yoder Named to All-Nicklaus Team

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (UCM Media Relations) -- Central Missouri senior Justin Yoder added a crown to his All-American golf career today, earning a spot on the prestigious 24-man All-Nicklaus Team. Announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), players from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and NJCAA were recognized for their play this past season.

A first-team All-American, the Versailles, Missouri product finished second in the nation at the NCAA-II Championships, the highest ever finish in UCM and MIAA history. Yoder was the MIAA Tournament and Super Regional Tournament Champion (first Mule to ever win a Super Region title), while earning MIAA Player of the Year honors for the second time in his career.

He has won a school-record 12 career tournaments and finished in the top ten 38 times in 47 chances. A three-time All-American, as well as a four-time All-MIAA and All-NCAA Regional selection, he has a career stroke average of 72.5, ranking him No. 1 in school history. He has been ranked in the national top 10 the last two years, including No. 1 on several occasions as a junior.

The last two seasons he was a final candidate for National Player of the Year, and after earning all-tournament team honors at the National Championships in 2009, he was invited to the prestigious Greystone Invitational for the top amateur players in the country. He topped the entire field and won the tournament last summer.

The All-Nicklaus Team was created in 2008, and is not only named for history's greatest player but also a long-time supporter of collegiate and amateur golf. Jack Nicklaus, Big Ten and NCAA Champions at The Ohio State University, helped inspire and create the Jack Nicklaus Award in 1988. That award is annually given to the top collegiate men's golfer in Division I, II, III and the NAIA.

2010 All-Nicklaus Team
Abraham Ancer, Odessa College
Lucas Bogden, Northwood (Texas)
John Chin, UC Irvine
Harris English, Georgia
Nils Floren, Texas Tech
Dustin Garza, Wichita State
Russell Henley, Georgia
Scott Langley, Illinois
Peter Latimer, Guilford
Tain Lee, Claremont McKenna
Justin Lower, Malone
Brett Munson, North Alabama
Jonathan Randolph, Mississippi
Andrea Pavan, Texas A&M
Marcelo Rozo, John A. Logan
Juan Salcedo, McLennan JC
Josh Schrader, Methodist
Matt Stauch, Florida Southern
Nick Taylor, Washington
Peter Uihlein, Oklahoma State
Julian Valenciana, Oklahoma City
Diego Velasquez, Oregon State
Eugene Wong, Oregon
Justin Yoder, Central Missouri