Sept. 9, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's golf team will open the 2011-12 season Saturday at the Northern Intercollegiate Invitational at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., hosted by Northern Illinois. The 54-hole tournament will consist of two rounds (36 holes) Saturday, which will be followed by one round (18 holes) Sunday.
Head men's golf coach Ray Kralis believes his squad needs to be mentally tough for the season's first event.
"Rich Harvest Farms is a world-class facility and is a demanding golf course that can make you uncomfortable if you get away from your pre-shot routine," Kralis said. "We have plenty of talent to perform well at this course, and we can be competitive against a strong field, as long as we respond well to any adversity we face over the 54 holes."
The invitational will mark the first Redbird appearance of junior transfer Matt Solis. Joining him on the course will be juniors Ricky Hearden and Ryan Murphy, along with sophomores Wils Hawn and Parker Freiburg. Senior Eric Meier will compete individually.
"The guys have performed well in preparation for this event and have done some things that have continued to build team confidence," Kralis said. "That is important for this group because belief and confidence are essential to success. As long as we stay out of our own way, we can capitalize on a great opportunity to start the season in strong fashion."
Joining Illinois State at the invitational will be Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Eastern Michigan, East Tennessee State, Illinois, Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Northern Illinois, Purdue, St. Francis, Toledo, Tulsa and Virginia Tech.
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