Senior Brian Anderson, in his last chance to play with his Illinois State teammates, took first, and led the Redbirds to a second-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference Mens Golf Tournament, Tuesday, at TPC at Deere Run.
Anderson, who has placed in the top ten three times and top five three times this year, took first by firing a three round total of 219. This was his second first-place finish of his career.
When I was on the course, I just kept thinking about all of the hard work I had put in throughout my college career, Anderson said. I knew I had to take the chance and make something happen on the last holes. Then I shot two birdies, which helped.
Both Illinois States seniors stepped up to lead the Birds as Anderson (76-73-70=219) and Walter Brown (74-80-71=225), who tied for sixth, were both named to the MVC All-Conference team.
I was real proud of Walter to come in as a senior and help lead the team, head coach Harland Kilborn said. I am excited for both of those guys to take all-conference honors.
In addition to Anderson and Brown, Matt Maskel (73-79-74=226) tied for 10th with a score of 226, Kyle Vasel (76-85-75=236) shot a 236 to tie for 22nd, while Denny Bull (86-80-74=240) rounded out the line-up.
I am proud of all of the guys, we put in a real team effort today, Kilbrorn said. We had a good charge in the last round of the tournament and were able to get the lowest single round of the tournament.
Despite shooting the lowest round of the final round and the entire event with a 289, the Birds fell to Wichita State for the second year in a row. Wichita State (306-299-291=896) won the tournament by hitting an 896. Illinois State (299-312-289=900) shot a 900 to take second, while Drake (298-308-298=904) finished third with a score of 904.
ISUs strong finish not only made a run at the league title, it also helped the Redbirds send coach Kilborn off on a positive note in his final conference tournament. Kilborn is retiring following the fall season in 2004.
We wanted to come in as a team and do well and I wanted to do well as an individual for coach, Anderson said. I am glad we gave him something to smile about on his way out.
