Redbird Golf Off to Strong Start

Photo Courtesy of goredbirds.com

NORMAL,Ill.- The Illinois State men’s golf team has played well to start the 2021 fall season finishing fourth and sixth place in two tough tournaments.

Coach Ray Kralis’s team is off to a fast start taking fourth place out of 15 schools in the Hoosier Collegiate Invitational two weeks ago and taking sixth place out of 16 teams at the Ram Masters Invitational earlier this week. Kralis spoke on his team after the first two tournaments.

“The physical talent is off the charts and the potential is high. I really like the battle and I like the way these guys are coming together for something bigger than themselves.” Said Kralis

The Hoosier Collegiate Invitational was highlighted by an 11 and three head-to-head record for the Redbirds beating out four other Missouri Valley Conference members among other quality opponents in the field. Freshman Alex Mculla placed ninth individually in the field in his first collegiate start. Mculla was then later named the first Missouri Valley golfer of the week award of the season.

“We recruited him to be an impact player and I am thrilled he took advantage of that first opportunity out the gate.” Said Kralis.

This past week the Redbirds traveled to Fort Collins to play in the Ram Masters Invitational where they finished sixth with a head-to-head record of nine wins and five losses and one tie. Beating out fellow Missouri Valley member Northern Iowa. Senior Joe Hodgson led the way for the Redbirds finishing tied for 16th individually, being the lone Redbird to crack the top 20.

Illinois State has a current four and zero record against other Valley schools this year and have a current overall record of 20 wins, eight losses and two ties in the head-to-head matchups thus far. The Redbirds will be back in action this weekend as they will head to Madison to participate in the Badger Invitational in another tough test early in the season.

“We have so much potential and talent. I just want to make sure we continue to grow and all of us get better collectively on a regular basis I think we will be in great shape.” Said Kralis.