April 23, 2008

NORMAL, Ill. - Following an even-par performance and third-place finish at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, sophomore Tommy Bliefnick was named to the Valley's All-Conference team. Bliefnick carded a three-round-total of 213 (74, 69, 70) to finish just five strokes behind the individual-medalist.

"Tommy has played well through the entire spring season," said head coach Ray Kralis. "He struggled some in the fall but he has worked very hard to get to this point. I am looking forward to seeing him progress over the next few seasons, and I am hoping he can solidify himself as one of our leaders for the next several years."

Bliefnick, a Decatur, Ill. native, placed in the top-15 in five events this season, including two top-five finishes. Along with a third-place finish at the MVC Championship, Bliefnick also placed fourth individually at the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate (Oct. 7-8, 2007) with a three-round-total of 1-over-par 211 (76, 72, 63). His third-round 63 was not only a career-low, but also tied him for the course record.

In just his second season, Bliefnick was second on the team with 10 events played, a scoring average of 74.0 and he ranked third on the team with 28 events played.