Head coach Harland Kilborn and the Illinois State mens golf team sit in fifth place out of 20 teams following day one of the Mission Inn Collegiate Classic in Orlando, Florida, carding a team total 294, five strokes off the pace of host Winthrop University.
Anthony Imburgia led the Birds in the first round of Kilborns final tournament carding a one-over-par 72, tied for 10th place. Fellow Redbirds Denny Bull, Matt Miller, and Matt Maskel followed behind with 74s, good for 26th place.
Anthony had a great practice round yesterday, said Kilborn. You could see it carry over into his game today with a good finish in 10th place.
Although emotions are high the Redbirds played solid golf at an amazing course according to Kilborn.
I am not trying to make this tournament anything more than it would normally be, said Kilborn. Even with the added pressure the guys came out today and handled it well and had solid rounds.
Kilborn believes that his team is in position to strike at the top of the leader board following Fridays round.
We are five strokes out right now and that is a good position to make a move come Saturday, said Kilborn. We need another solid round without sloppy bogies to move up the board.
The Redbirds return to competition Saturday for round two at the El Campeon Golf Course at Mission Inn.
