Drew Eaton Leads Western in Final Round of Summit League

Freshman tied for fourth individually, named to All-Tournament Team following final round 66

NEWTON, Kan. – Drew Eaton matched his personal best of 66 during the final round of The Summit League Championship, jumping up to a tie for fourth place individually, leading Western Illinois on Tuesday (May 2). The freshman also earned All-Tournament team honors, finishing with a 217 at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course.

Eaton's 6-under matched the round he shot during the opening 18 holes of the team's home Beu Mussatto Invitational last month, which tied for the ninth-lowest round in WIU program history. His 66 tied for the fourth-lowest tournament round in Summit League history, and was also the third-lowest round in course history on the Tournament tee boxes.

"It was nice to finish the season with a good round today. Drew Eaton was spectacular today, and he really carried us. His 66 was the low round of the day and low round of the tournament by two strokes. Drew's score helped him climb into the top five, which is a tremendous accomplishment for a freshman," said head coach Mel Blasi.

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Western as a team shot its lowest round of the tournament, a 289 to finish at 898 overall.

Jackson Wetherbee and Sean Miller both turned in their lowest round of the Championship on Tuesday. Wetherbee shot an even-par 72 to finish at 226. Miller rebounded from a disappointing opening 36 holes Monday to finish 1-over 73.

Kyle Irlbacker shot a 78 and Andrew Blackburn, the team's lone senior who led Western the first two rounds, shot an 80.

"Overall our finish was disappointing but our Summit League Golf is very good and we knew we would have to play our best to compete at the top. We have a great group of young players coming back, and they know what it will take to climb the ladder toward a Summit League title," said Blasi.

Western's head coach had praise for the senior captain Blackburn, who concluded his four-year Leatherneck career. Blackburn earned All-Summit League honors last year and will finish as a four-time Summit League Academic Honor Roll member.

"Our senior captain Andrew Blackburn gave us a really solid day yesterday in extremely difficult conditions. Andrew has been a great player for us all four years and a model student-athlete for our younger players. His work ethic, dedication in the classroom, and his gentleman nature have set a very high standard for our program. He will be greatly missed," said Blasi.

Team Standings
1. South Dakota State (293-300-284) 877
2. Oral Roberts (297-289-293) 879
3. South Dakota (308-289-284) 881
4. IUPUI (300-302-281) 883
5. North Dakota State (298-294-292) 884
6. Denver (305-296-287) 888
7. Fort Wayne (304-302-285) 891
8. Western Illinois (307-302-289) 898
9. Omaha (313-301-289) 903

Western Illinois Individuals
T4. Drew Eaton (77-74-66) 217
T27. Jackson Wetherbee (77-77-72) 226
37. Andrew Blackburn (76-73-80) 229
38. Kyle Irlbacker (77-78-78) 233
45. Sean Miller (89-DQ-73) 162

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Players Mentioned

Andrew Blackburn: Senior; Sterling

Sean Miller: Junior; East

Jackson Wetherbee: Sophomore; Galesburg

Kyle Irlbacker: Freshman; Cary Grove

Drew Eaton: Freshman; Quincy Notre Dame

Players Mentioned

Andrew Blackburn
: Senior; Sterling

Sean Miller
: Junior; East

Jackson Wetherbee
: Sophomore; Galesburg

Kyle Irlbacker
: Freshman; Cary Grove

Drew Eaton
: Freshman; Quincy Notre Dame