April 26, 2010
Stats
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Despite being in third place after firing an 81-over-par 641 (325-316) in the first two rounds of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, the Illinois State men's golf team is 17 strokes behind first-place Wichita State.
"I'm not really thrilled about where we sit because we had high expectations coming in," head coach Ray Kralis said. "But we have 18 holes tomorrow and regardless of how far back we are, things can change in a hurry so we've got nothing else to do other than to pick ourselves up and get ready to come back and fight tomorrow."
Junior Jeff Kellen led the way for the Redbirds. He is tied for ninth place after carding a 17-over-par 157 (82-75). Senior Joe Emerich had a strong showing, firing a 22-over-par 162 (78-84) and is tied for 16th place. Senior Kyle Bragg and sophomore Eric Meier are tied for 17th place posting a 23-over-par 163. Senior Tommy Bliefnick is tied for 25th place with a 25-over-par 165 (83-82).
Wichita State is in first place with a 64-over-par 624 (316-308), followed by Southern Illinois who fired a 65-over-par 625 (314-311).
Patrick Scheil of Southern Illinois is in first place after firing a 12-over-par 152 (76-76). There is a three-way tie for second place between Dustin Garza and Anders Engell of Wichita State and Brad Reierson of Drake. All three posted a 13-over-par 153.
The Redbirds will have 18 more holes to make one last push for the Conference Championship. Tuesday's final round will begin with a shotgun start 8 a.m.
