March 30, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
After recording his third career win last week at the Colorado/Stevinson Ranch Invitational, senior Matt Miller looks to add another medal to his trophy case when he leads the Illinois State men's golf team at the Branson Creek Invitational Monday and Tuesday. Miller, who was also named the Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week for his play last week, will take on in-state rivals as well as conference challengers at the Branson Creek Golf Club in Branson, Mo.
Branson Creek is the third consecutive stop for the Redbirds that has been highly regarded by Golf Digest magazine. Located in the middle of Missouri's Ozark region, Branson Creek has earned 4.5 stars from the magazine as well as taking the top spot in the "Top Public Courses in Missouri" rankings.
While head coach Ray Kralis believes that the Redbirds can leave Branson Creek with the title, he feels the team will still confront challenges from the field.
"I think there are some unique challenges with this event," said Kralis. "You don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves and assume anything. It's still important that we go in there and have a good practice round and play the golf course. We must manage our own games and don't let the competition play into our heads. With this event, there is no doubt that our guys want to go in and get a win under their belts.
"Our main focus will be to not get caught up in the outcome, rather continue to work the process. I certainly like the way we are playing. I think we are coming off some great events. However, I don't think we have peaked by any means, but we have gotten glimpses of what we are capable of doing."
Miller recorded his third career victory last weekend at the Stevinson Ranch Golf Club, winning by one stroke in a tough, experienced field that included Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa State. Miller's performance earned him his eighth career golfer of the week plaudit, the most in Redbird men's golf history. The Bloomington, Ill., native also became the first Redbird and Valley golfer to earn individuals honors at the tournament.
"Matt has developed into a complete player," said Kralis. "He continues to advance his skills. He is never satisfied because in this game, you always have room to grow. He is such a strong player, that it doesn't matter what type of golf course or the conditions he is playing at. Not many people can make that claim. He is playing with such a level of confidence in his own game and he does such a good job of not letting the outside influences become distractions."
Joining Miller will be teammate and younger brother, freshman Drew Miller, as well as freshman Tommy Bliefnick and sophomores Joe Emerich and Ben Murphy. The lineup has been consistent through the early part of the spring season, with the group posting consecutive top-four finishes.
Senior Ryan Brown and sophomore Kyle Bragg will also be making the trip, competing as individual entries.
Missouri State hosts a Valley-dominated field, with Bradley, Creighton, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois all competing at the tournament. In-state rivals Eastern Illinois and Western Illinois also are included in the field as well as South Dakota State and Texas Pan-American.
The tournament will kick off with 36-holes of play beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday. Tuesday's final-round of 18-holes will also begin at 8 a.m.
