Sept. 22, 2009
Jim Colbert Intercollegiate Final Stats 
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Illinois State men's golf team could not move up in the standings in Tuesday's final round at the Jim Colbert Intercollegiate despite an even-par round from senior Tommy Bliefnick that put him in a tie for fifth place for the tournament. The `Birds fell to third place after posting a score of 301 to put them at 28-over-par 596 for the tournament.
After showing much promise in the first round, the Redbirds dropped six strokes Tuesday. Men's golf head coach Ray Kralis thought his team had a chance for some hardware after Monday's strong showing.
"It was a disappointing day, most of the teams went in the right direction, unfortunately, we went the wrong way," Kralis said. "Solid round for Tommy today, it was another good tournament for him."
Besides Bliefnick's 2-over-par 144 (73-71), senior Kyle Bragg continued his solid play as he tied for 14th place with a 7-over-par 149 (75-74). Junior Jeff Kellen dropped into a tie for 18th place after posting a 9-over-par 151 (74-77). Senior Joe Emerich fell into a tie for 29th place with a 14-over-par 156 (73-83), and sophomore Eric Meier ended the tournament tied for 40th place after carding an 18-over-par 160 (81-79).
Host Kansas State took the title posting a 1-over-par 569. Kansas moved up to second place with a 23-over-par 591, followed by the Redbirds.
Joe Ida of Kansas State finished in first place after firing a 2-under-par 140 (70-70) on his home course. His teammate, Mitchell Gregson, took second place with a 1-under-par 141 (71-70). Kyle Peterman of Western Illinois and Nate Barbee of Kansas were tied for third after each shot an even-par 142.
"We've got some work to do," Kralis said. "We've got a short turnaround to try to gear up for Kansas so we can't hang on this bad taste too long, but we're going to learn a few things."
The next stop for the Redbirds will be at the Kansas Invitational Sept. 28-29. The two-day tournament will be held in Lawrence, Kan., at the Alvamar Golf Club.
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