April 25, 2006
HUTCHINSON, Kan. -
Senior Kris Wildenradt fired a three-round total of 218 (76, 68, 74) to finish in fourth-place after the final-round of the 2006 State Farm Missouri Conference Championship at the Prairie Dunes Golf Club in Hutchinson, Kan. The Redbirds also finished in fourth-place, firing a three-round total of 886 (295, 288, 311) and 12 shots off the lead.
Head coach Ray Kralis was disappointed in the team's finish in the final-round.
"We obviously didn't make the move we were hoping to make today," said Kralis. "The opportunities were there but we really never got it going, and we didn't finish it off on the back nine. Unfortunately it didn't happen for us."
Senior Jason Kemp finished the tournament tied for ninth-place, shooting a three-round total of 224 (72, 73, 79). Chris Eddy finished in 13th with a three-round total of 225 (74, 75, 76). Junior Matt Miller fired a three-round total of 227 (73, 72, 82) and finished tied for 14th. Miller, along with Wildenradt, earned All-Missouri Valley Conference team honors for their play throughout the season. Matt Maskel rounded out the lineup for the `Birds, finishing in 32nd with a three-round total of 235 (77, 76, 82).
Kralis was pleased with the individual performances from Wildenradt and Kemp, but also knows the disappointment running through the heads of Miller and Maskel. Kralis also felt the weather played a part in the outcome for the second consecutive day, as temperatures were in the lower-30s with wind chills making the temperature in the 20s.
"Overall, it was a good tournament for Wildenradt," said Kralis. "Jason (Kemp) also had a great tournament, and he put up a solid performance. I know that Miller and Maskel were pretty disappointed with how things turned out, but it was that kind of golf course. The cold temperatures on a major championship venue made it a golf course that could jump up and get you."
Wichita State won the championship, finishing two shots ahead of Drake with a three-round total of 882 (284, 291, 307). The Shockers were led by Ryan Spears, who won medalist honors with a three-round total of three-under-par 207 (66, 68, 73). Southern Illinois finished two shots behind Drake, with Illinois State and Missouri State rounding out the top five.
