After day one of the Kansas Mens Invitational at the Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. senior Kyle Vasel leads the Illinois State mens golf team after firing a 36-hole total of 148 (73,75), leaving him six strokes off the lead and tied for 20th place.
Stiff winds and tough greens accounted for the all around higher scores according to head coach Harland Kilborn.
The wind was really howling today, said Kilborn. We need to approach the greens a little better. There are lots of up and down putts with these greens.
Kilborn was satisfied with the teams ball striking but felt the team needed to complete each hole.
Our ball striking was great today, we just did not putt well, said Kilborn. These greens are tough which makes our approach shots so important.
Texas-San Antonio leads the first 36-holes with a 580 (289,291), while Matt VanCleave (71,71) of Kansas State and John Elizondo (70,72) of Texas-San Antonio lead the pack individually, both shooting a two round total 142.
Illinois State finished day one carding a team score of 603 (301,302) good for eighth place. Missouri Valley member Northern Iowa is in seventh place with a 598 (300,298) and fellow Missouri Valley member Wichita State finished in sixth pace with a 591 (298,293).
Other Birds in competition were senior Denny Bull whose 151 (75,76) puts him in a tie for 37th. Senior Dustin Edwards is tied for 47th with a 153 (78,75), sophomore Matt Millers 156 (80,76) is tied for 60th place and freshman Mike Imburgia carded a 160 (75,85), leaving him in 68th place.
Kilborn is looking for someone to individually step up and lead the team.
We need some one to get hot and take their score deep, said Kilborn. It is important for everyone to get their score in the low 70s and shoot a mid to low 290s as a team and catch a team like Wichita State.
The Redbirds will finish the last 18-holes of this 54-hole tournament Tuesday morning at 8:30.
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