10/12-UI men's golf leads at Weibring Inv.

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men’s golf team trails No. 1-ranked Illinois by three strokes after the first day of completion in the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate at the Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University behind the efforts of Kyle Bragg and Ben Murphy, who both find themselves in the top-three. On the same day, former Redbird standout D.A. Weibring won his first major on the Champions Tour, after shooting a 9-under-par 271 (67-70-66-68) at Baltimore Country Club East Course. The Redbirds currently sit in second-place with a two-round total of 558 (227-281). Bragg and Murphy are currently in second and third-place, respectively, on the leader board. Bragg scorched the par 70, firing 7-under-par 133 (67-66), while Murphy had a solid outing, tallying a 137 (67-70). Head coach Ray Kralis is proud of how his players stepped up and looks forward to the final round. “Kyle (Bragg) and Ben (Murphy) stepped up big for us today, shooting a combined 10-under-par,” said Kralis. “It’s a good feeling, knowing anyone in the lineup is able to come in with low numbers. Our team knows the opportunity that presents itself, and that we are going to have to play a great round. We look forward to it and hopefully we can make something special happen Monday (tomorrow).” Tommy Bliefnick and Jeff Kellen both carded a pair of 147’s and find themselves tied for 30th, while Joe Emerich carded an 8-over-par 148 (76-72) and is tied for 37th-place. Competing individually for ISU was Will Cullen, Drew North, Eric Meier and Matt Ryba. Cullen cracked the top-10, after shooting a 141 (70-71), which was good enough for eighth-place, while North shot a 145 (72-73) finding himself tied for 22nd. Meier shot a 149 (71-78) and is tied for 42nd-place, Ryba rounding out the scoring for the ‘Birds, shooting a 161 (81-80). Illinois State is 17 strokes ahead of third-place Western Illinois (575) and leads all other Missouri Valley Conference teams. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Monday for the conclusion of the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate tournament.