Sept. 20, 2006
NOMRAL, Ill. -
Senior Matt Miller was named Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week for his performance at this week's Kansas Invitational. The Illinois State senior tied his career-low 18-hole score by shooting a third-round, six-under-par 66 to lead the Illinois State men's golf team in Lawrence, Kan. The five-time MVC Golfer of the Week honoree's third-round score was also the lowest individual round at event, held at the Alvamar Golf Club.
Miller finished with a three-round total of three-under-par 213 (74, 73, 66) and six shots back in third place. The Redbirds moved up seven spots in the standings on the final day, finishing in fifth-place. Turning in the lowest team round in the tournament, the Redbirds finished by shooting a third-round team score of 283.
Head coach Ray Kralis expects more great things from Miller this season.
"Matt has been patient and waiting to break through this season," said Kralis. "We needed him to step up big time, and he makes a strong statement that he is ready to go by shooting the lowest round in the tournament. It was great to see him perform the way he did, and he continues to prepare for the rest of the season.
"We need him to step up into that leadership role," added Kralis. "I wouldn't put that on him if he didn't have such a strong back. He had such a tremendous junior campaign, and he has been working hard through the summer into the beginning of the season."
Miller and the `Birds will have some time to practice and prepare before they travel to compete at the first annual Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic on Oct. 9-10, in Notre Dame, Ind.
