When Matt Maskel tied for medalist honors and led his team to the championship in the 2003 D. A. Weibring Intercollegiate Tournament, it was the start of a season of improvement for the Illinois State University sophomore golfer. It earned him the L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship for 2004.
The scholarship was established with an initial grant from the estate of the late L. Durwood Boone, whose playing skills inspired the start of the Redbird golf program in the 1930s. The proceeds have helped support Redbird golf student-athletes since 1995, with specific student-athletes honored starting in 2003.
A parks and recreation management major from Morris, Ill., Maskel finished his season with a tie for 10th place in the State Farm-Missouri Valley Conference Golf Championships. His coach, Harland Kilborn, appreciated Maskels work.
Matt really made strides last year, said Kilborn. He has stepped up to a level where he can go below par on any course on any day.
Kilborn also was pleased with Maskels improved sense of team.
He has realized the importance of team play, of being able to score well enough to help the team regardless of your individual situation, said Kilborn. Thats not easy for golfers to learn, but Matts the kind of guy who understands.
Maskel claims that once he dealt with the challenges of being a college student-athlete as a freshman, focusing on his game and his team became easier.
My freshman year was about understanding college golf and the time demands it takes to play, said Maskel. Once I got past that, it became easier to concentrate on my game and my team. Wanting to do well for the team comes pretty easily for me because I played basketball and baseball in high school. I want my team to win so everybody can enjoy the satisfaction.
The L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship is one of 12 endowed scholarships funded by private donors, which are available to Illinois State student-athletes. For more information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
L. Durwood Boone
Endowed Scholars
Illinois State University Golf
2004 Matt Maskel
2003 Chris Eddy
