Weather was the early story at the NAIA Men's Golf Championships as rain shortened the four-round tournament to a 54-hole event by extending the opening round over two days.

But the rain didn't overshadow a strong showing from the Bees.

Hosting the National Championships for the ninth time at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., St. Ambrose more than held its own among the nation's best.

In its fourth event of the year on the course that hosts the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, SAU played well, shooting rounds of 302 and 297, the team's two-best scores at Deere Run this season. The team's 599 was good for a share of 23rd place, just short of a top-15 effort needed to make the cut following Thursday's round.

Carsen Theis led the Bees. He posted SAU's top two scores, carding a 73 and a 72 for a 3-over 145. Dylan McAleer was right behind Theis, shooting a 75-74 for a 7-over 149.

The other three Bees were bunched together on the leaderboard. Colin Riggs shot a 78-75=153, Jacob Stoetzel fired a 76-78=154 and Griffin Smits came in with an 81-76=157.

Jack Whaley from Dalton State claimed individual medalist honors. He opened a large early lead by firing a first-round 10-under 61. Back-to-back 1-over 72s gave him an 8-under 205 and the championship by three strokes over Faulkner's Rudolphe Cicala (65-72-71=208).

A total of six players ended under par after the three rounds.

Lindsey Wilson (287-282-293) won the team championship with an 862. That was two shots better than Oklahoma City (287-285-292=864). Wayland Baptist (280-291-295=866) finished third.