NORMAL, Ill. – Coming off an 11th-place finish in the Ram Masters Invitational, the Illinois State men's golf team will head north to Madison, Wisconsin, to compete in the Badger Invitational at the University Ridge Golf Course. The three day tournament, beginning Sunday, will consist of a round-per-day, on the 7,259-yard course.
Head coach Ray Kralis is eager to see the team's mental toughness, as it tries and bounce back from its performance at the Ram Masters Invitational.
"We have learned some things about ourselves early in the season, and I am confident we are getting stronger as a team even though the outcomes have been mixed," Kralis said. "We have another great opportunity for growth this weekend, because this golf course will test us physically and mentally."
In addition to competing against Wisconsin, Illinois State will also face off against Ball State, Butler, Miami (Ohio), Rutgers, Texas-Rio Grande Valley, USC Upstate, Western Carolina and William and Mary.
Leading the Redbirds will be senior Tyler Gentilella, junior Christian Crabill, sophomore Zach Burry, and freshmen Trent Wallace and Michael Mounce.
Sophomore Jason Marrs, junior Kyle Meihofer and sophomore Steven Mullins will also compete for ISU, as individuals, which Kralis believes will help the team compete at a higher level.
"We also have the rare opportunity to bring three additional players much like when we hosted the Weibring Intercollegiate," Kralis said. "Not only is it great experience for everyone, but it enhances the competitiveness among our squad, which will only make us better."
Sunday and Monday's rounds will begin at 9 a.m., with tee times, while Tuesday's final round will be a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.
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