(June 10, 2009 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- The Concordia men's golf program took a giant step forward with the rcent signing of two local players as the Cardinals look to move up the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference standings this fall. The new members of the Cardinal squad are Jordan Marken of Dexter High School and Nate Hand of Belleville High School. Hand will also be a member of the Concordia men's basketball team.

Marken is a decorated prep golfer as the player all four years of his high school career on the varsity at Dexter. In 2009, Marken was a medalist at the SEC Conference meet, as well as being decorated with All-League, All-Area and All-Region honors. Marken finished 12th overall at the Division II state finals, helping the Dreadnaughts finish second overall as a team.

This season, Marken followed up with All-League, All-Area and All-Region honors again, as he helped Dexter to the #1 spot for much of the season. However, the team fell just short of a state title run as they lost by two strokes in the regional.

"We are very excited to have Jordan join our team," said men's golf coach Matt Distlerath. "He comes from a very successful high school program and nows what it takes to be not only a successful golfer himself but also to be a member of a successful team. He is a relentless worker and is on the course everyday improving his game. Jordan is going to be a leader for our program and will help us build a much stronger golf team."

Marken chose the Concordia program because the university is strong in his chosen field as he pursue's a degree in Education. But the possibilities didn't end there.

"I will get a chance to be a part of an improving team that is going to keep getting stronger," he said.

Hand was named All-League for both basketball and golf at Belleville High School. Hand played three years of varsity gold and two yeards as a starter on the varsity basketball team.

"Nate is a great addition to both programs and the university," said Distelrath. "His competitiveness, toughness, and self-motivation are things that make him successful both on the court and on the course. As he develops I believe that he is going to help both teams become successful. He is simply a winner."