Feb. 22, 2011
MOBILE, Ala. -
Like the final round of the Oak Hills Invitational last weekend, Jeff Kellen, Wils Hawn and Ricky Hearden stepped up during Tuesday's final 18 holes of the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate at the Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Ala. Despite the individual improvements, Illinois State was unable to move out of 14th place.
Kellen's one-under-par 71 in the final round moved him from 35th place into a tie for 28th. The senior finished the two-day tournament with a six-over-par 222 (77-74-71).
Also firing a one-under-par 71 in Tuesday's 18 holes, was lone freshman Hawn, moving him from 68th place into a tie for 59th. Hawn carded a 13-over-par 229 (83-75-71), at Magnolia Grove.
Hearden improved to a tie for 70th place after shooting for par in the third and final round, finishing the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate with a 16-over-par 232 (79-81-72).
"Today was a step in the right direction with three guys at par or better, and I was very pleased with the way the team responded after a tough first day," head coach Ray Kralis said. "Jeff Kellen has been the low Redbird in both spring events and is rounding into form. Wils Hawn continued his improvement through the tournament with his second under-par round this spring and Ricky Hearden bounced back nicely with a closing round at even par. While we were one score away from a great team round, I am still very encouraged by what I saw today."
Will Cullen finished the two-day intercollegiate in a tie for 72nd place, shooting a 17-over-par 233 (75-78-80). Eric Meier was just three strokes behind Cullen, compiling a 20-over-par 236 (78-80-78), and tied for 76th.
Middle Tennessee State's Jason Millard led the Blue Raiders to the title, as the senior took sole possession of first place after firing an 11-under-par 205 (70-72-63).
The Blue Raiders finished the tournament with a one-under-par 863 (292-289-282).
Illinois State returns to campus for a short stint before heading to Placida, Fla., Friday, for the Tinervin Cup.
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