Aug. 16, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Three former IHSA State Qualifiers will join the Illinois State University men's golf team, which won the 2005 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship.
Head coach Ray Kralis believes the new recruits are a great addition to the golf program.
"This group brings the competitive background and spirit that I am looking for when recruiting players," said Kralis. "They have enjoyed success on both the state and national levels, and they have extensive tournament backgrounds."
Kyle Bragg, a native of Normal, Ill., attended Normal Community West High School and finished third at the IHSA Sectionals. He was a two-time IHSA state qualifier and was the winner of the Pontiac Junior Open.
Palatine High School product Joe Emerich, a native of Palatine, Ill., was a two-time IHSA state qualifier while winning the Robert Kellman Junior Open and the Ivanhoe Invitational. He also was a medalist at IHSA sectionals and received all-conference honors in three seasons.
Matt Ryba, of Peoria, Ill., competed for Peoria Notre Dame High School. He placed 21st at the IHSA state finals and was the Tri-County Match Play Champion. A first all-conference selection, Ryba was the Midstate Six Season Opener champion. Ryba joins Notre Dame teammate Ben Murphy, who signed a National Letter of Intent earlier this year with Illinois State.
"We are excited to have Kyle, Joe and Matt joining the Redbird golf team in the fall," said Kralis. "Along with the addition of Ben Murphy, these players certainly bolster our depth and strengthen our future. I expect this group to challenge our veterans for immediate playing time."
