April 5, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
After posting a school-record thirteen-under-par, 275, at last year's weather-shortened Arkansas State Indian Classic, head coach Ray Kralis and the Illinois State men's golf team hope to repeat as champions at this year's tournament held April 10th-11th at the RidgePointe Country Club in Jonesboro, Ark.
Kralis feels the team is ready to return to the ASU Indian Classic and defend its title.
"We obviously have a great feeling going back to the tournament," said Kralis. "We had record-setting performance last year, and our team has good vibes about our chances this year, no doubt. I look forward to a great showing by the team next week."
Heading to Arkansas for the `Birds are four-time Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week Matt Miller, 2005 Missouri Valley Conference medalist Kris Wildenradt and 2005 All-Missouri Valley Conference team member Matt Maskel. Senior Chris Eddy will also be making the trip for the `Birds, with the final two spots still under consideration.
Arkansas State is joined by Missouri Valley Conference members Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Missouri State. Other schools competing include New Orleans, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, South Florida, Southern Miss and Tulane.
"The field has a different mix of schools," said Kralis. "There is a strong Missouri Valley Conference representation, and every team in the field can play. We will have to go in and take care of our business, and take it one shot at a time."
The tournament tees off with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. on Monday, with teams playing 36 holes. The tournament concludes on Tuesday with another shotgun start at 8 a.m. and teams will complete the last 18 holes.
