April 18, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
After three nomination-worthy performances so far this spring, Jeff Kellen was named Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week by the MVC league office Monday, highlighting his seventh-place finish at the Big Ten packed field of the Illinois Spring Classic in Urbana.
This is Kellen's second Golfer of the Week honor during the 2010-11 season and fourth in his career (April 18, 2011, Oct. 13, Feb. 24, 2010 and Oct. 14, 2009).
The MVC Golfer of the Week award is a result of Kellen's three-over-par, 147 final tally at the Illinois Spring Classic. Kellen sat in first place after a first-round 71 and ended the tournament tied for seventh place, one stroke ahead of 2010 NCAA champion from Illinois, Scott Langley.
"It is great to see Jeff rewarded for his hard work," said head coach Ray Kralis. "He has worked so hard on his game, and Jeff has committed himself to not only his game but to the team's as well. He played great against a solid field at Illinois, and I was really encouraged by his rate of play. It has been neat to see him take his game to the next level."
The Redbirds were able to finish tied with Northwestern for third place at the classic, placing the Redbirds in front of eight of the 10 Big Ten schools competing.
The Classic's field included Akron (1), Illinois (2), Illinois State and Northwestern (T3), Indiana (5), Penn State (6), Michigan State (7), Ohio State (8), Minnesota (9), Purdue and Michigan (T10), Wisconsin (12), Xavier (13) and Creighton (14).
Kellen and the Illinois State men's golf team look to the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship to continue their spring success, April 25-27, in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
More information about Kellen's Golfer of the Week award can be found at MVCSports.com.
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