NCAA South Central: Illinois takes lead

May 16, 2013 | by Golfweek

Luke Guthrie

Illinois shot 6-under 282 to take a three-stroke lead. But much like the season itself, it was a roller-coaster day

By Ron Balicki, Golfweek It’s pretty much been an up-and-down year for Illinois. The Fighting Illini won their first two tournaments of the fall season and have added three more titles this spring. But they also show a T-10 in their own event at Olympia Fields and a pair of 12ths this spring. “For the most part, it’s been a good year,” Illinois coach Mike Small said. “I feel we began hitting our stride about three weeks ago when we won the Big 10 Championship.” They again were in full stride in the opening round at the Fayetteville, Ark., regional at Blessings, shooting 6-under 282 to take a three-stroke lead. But much like the season itself, it was a roller-coaster day. “I think we were 11 under after our first eight holes (starting on the back nine) and were even par through 11 holes,” Small said. “But we came back with a solid finish and I’m proud of the perseverance they showed. They stayed strong and brought it back.”It’s pretty much been an up-and-down year for Illinois. The Fighting Illini won their first two tournaments of the fall season and have added three more titles this spring. But they also show a T-10 in their own event at Olympia Fields and a pair of 12ths this spring. “For the most part, it’s been a good year,” Illinois coach Mike Small said. “I feel we began hitting our stride about three weeks ago when we won the Big 10 Championship.” They again were in full stride in the opening round at the Fayetteville, Ark., regional at Blessings, shooting 6-under 282 to take a three-stroke lead. But much like the season itself, it was a roller-coaster day. “I think we were 11 under after our first eight holes (starting on the back nine) and were even par through 11 holes,” Small said. “But we came back with a solid finish and I’m proud of the perseverance they showed. They stayed strong and brought it back.”

Results: NCAA Division I Urbana Regional

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Mario Clemens	Beverly Hills, CA	700	70-70-73--213
T2	Brian Campbell	Irvine, CA	500	77-67-70--214
T2	Austin Cook	, AR	500	72-68-74--214
T2	Thomas Detry	, Belgium	500	68-74-72--214
T5	Charlie Danielson	Osceola, WI	400	65-78-73--216