PELLA, IOWA . . . College and high school coach Tim Wilkinson is the new women's golf coach at Central College.

Wilkinson launched the men's and women's golf programs at the University of Great Falls (Mont.), where he served on a staff that included current Central wrestling coach Eric Van Kley. Wilkinson was head coach for two years (2004-05) and was also assistant men's basketball coach before taking his present position as a teacher at Central High School in Fresno, Calif. He's served as an assistant men's and women's golf coach there and as a girls' basketball coach at El Capitan Middle School in Fresno.

At Central, Wilkinson replaces Jodee Schaben, who resigned in January after guiding the Dutch women's golf program for six seasons.

"We are very excited that Tim will join us in the fall and lead our program," said Dutch athletics director Al Dorenkamp. "He has coaching and recruiting experience and fits our mission and philosophy at Central. He believes in relationship building and is committed to the Division III philosophy of developing students and athletes. Tim and his family will be a great addition to our community."

Wilkinson is eager to get started.

"I am extremely excited and humbled to join an institution and athletics department with such a storied tradition," Wilkinson said. "I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing the progress made by the previous coaching staff. It will be our goal to challenge for Iowa Conference titles every year while building a program that can compete on the national stage."

Central was second in the league tournament last fall, its highest finish in 16 years and sophomore Sarah Paulson captured her second straight league individual championship. The Dutch have claimed eight league team titles.