April 16, 2011
Illinois Classic Round One Results in PDF Format 
URBANA, Ill. - The momentum that Jeff Kellen has built up during the spring season continued to carry the Illinois State men's golf team Saturday, as the Redbird fired a one-under-par 71 in the first round of the Illinois Spring Classic, placing him in a tie for first place at the Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana.
Kellen will have to wait until Sunday to continue his first-place effort, as play was held to one round due to rain Saturday, and the Classic will be moved to a two-round, 36-hole tournament.
"We did a great job overall with our self-management, and I was very impressed with the mental toughness the guys displayed today in absolutely brutal conditions," said head coach Ray Kralis. "Jeff's round was tour level, and everyone battled and hung in there on a day when the course wasn't going to give you anything and the weather was going to test even the best. We'll need to bring that again tomorrow."
The Redbirds finished the day tied with Purdue for fifth place, as the Redbirds and Boilermakers carded a single-round 307.
Will Cullen sits tied for 36th place going into day two, as the senior shot a single-round six-over-par 78.
Junior Eric Meier and freshman Wils Hawn each carded a seven-over-par 79 in the first round, placing both in 40th place.
Sophomore Ricky Hearden closed out the day tied for 52nd place, after shooting a nine-over-par 81.
Kellen shares the first-place position with Michigan's Gareth Blease, as both are trailed by Illinois' Mason Jacobs, who sits even going into the second day.
Akron holds the first place position, with a six-over-par 294 and Illinois is just one stroke behind with a 295.
Play continues Tuesday with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.
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