MANHATTAN, Kan. Kansas State senior-to-be Ben Kern and former Wildcat Matt Van Cleave both picked up easy victories during Thursday’s opening round of match play at the 95^th Kansas Amateur.

Kern cruised into the second round with a 4-and-3 win over Ron Brewer of Leawood. The senior-to-be will face Cameron Bishop of Tulsa, Okla., in Friday’s second round.

Kern, the defending Arizona Amateur Match Play champion, opened the tournament by carding a two-round total of 68-72140 (-2) to wrap up the stroke play portion of the championship tied for eighth place.

Van Cleave, who recently completed his senior season at K-State, also made quick work of his opening round opponent, Josh Taylor of Overland Park. After shooting a 1-under par total of 141 to finish up stroke play in 11^th place, Van Cleave advanced to the round of 32 with a 4-and-2 win over Taylor. He will meet Barrett Martens of Lawrence in the second round.

Two other current Wildcats did not fare as well in Thursday’s action as both senior-to-be Tyler Cummins and incoming freshman Spencer Alefs dropped their first round matches. Cummins, who finished stroke play in 16^th place, fell 2-and-1 to Steve Gray of Lee's Summit, Mo., while Alefs lost a 2-and-1 decision to Derek Harrison of Wellington.

Former Wildcat Jimmy Dietz also dropped his opening round match Thursday and was eliminated from the field. Dietz, who scorched the courses at Colbert Hills and Manhattan Country Club with a two-round total of 5-under par 137 on Tuesday and Wednesday, wasn’t able to keep it going on Thursday as he fell to John Walters of Kansas City, 4-and-3.

Play continues at the 95th Kansas Amateur on Friday, July 15^th, with the second and third rounds of match play. The final match is slated for Sunday, July 17^th.

95th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship

July 14, 2005

Colbert Hills Golf Course & Manhattan Country Club

Manhattan, Kansas

Match Play Results First Round (K-State only)

(8) Ben Kern def. (57) Ron Brewer 4-and-3

(11) Matt Van Cleave def. (54) Josh Taylor 4-and-2

(49) Steve Gray def. (16) Tyler Cummins 2-and-1

(14) Derek Harrison def. (51) Spencer Alefs 2-and-1

(62) John Walters def. (3) Jimmy Dietz 4-and-3

Kansas State and former K-State players in bold