Oct. 11, 2009
Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Familiarity with the Weibring Golf Club proved to be an advantage for Illinios State junior Jeff Kellen and the Redbird men's golf team. Despite tough weather conditions, the `Birds sit alone in first place in the 15-team field after carding a 13-over-par 293 in the first round of the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate. Kellen is tied for third place after firing a 2-over-par 72.
Men's golf head coach Ray Kralis was pleased with his team being able to put together a round of five sound scores.
"I thought we had a solid team effort today," Kralis said. "To have five scores of 75 or better was huge. Guys battled under some tough conditions and I think we're on a similar pace in our second round. All things considered with the weather, I was pleased with day one."
Sophomore Eric Meier continued his strong play from the Kansas Invitational, posting a 3-over-par 73, which has him tied for ninth place. Senior Kyle Bragg and junior Will Cullen each fired a 4-over-par 74 and are tied for 15th place. Senior Tommy Bliefnick finished with a 5-over-par 75 and is tied for 22nd place.
Competing as individuals, freshman Ryan Murphy and Ricky Hearden each began their collegiate careers with solid rounds. Murphy fired a 5-over par 75 and is tied for 22nd place while Hearden shot a 6-over-par 76 and is tied for 26th place. Junior Drew North carded an 8-over-par 78 and tied for 54th place, and senior Joe Emerich posted a 9-over-par 79 to put him in a tie for 61st place. Freshman Matt Hageman shot a 12-over-par 82 and is tied for 82nd place.
Zach Wenken of Bradley is alone in first place after firing a 1-under-par 69 and Patrick McCormick of Loyola (Md.) is right behind him after carding an even-par 70.
Loyola - Chicago is right behind the Redbirds with a 14-over-par 294. Loyola (Md.) rounded out the top three posting a 16-over-par 296.
The second round was postponed due to darkness. It will be finished tomorrow morning with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The third round will begin at the conclusion of the second round.
"We need to come out tomorrow and finish the second round in strong fashion," Kralis said. "I think we're going to be sitting right where we want to be heading into round three."
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