NORMAL - D.A. Weibring pronounced himself "very humble and very blessed" to find his name forever linked with the Illinois State University Golf Course.

Yet, on the unveiling of the renamed "Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University" on Friday morning, the course's new namesake was just as interested in talking about the future as the past.

Weibring, a 1975 ISU graduate who has played on the PGA and Champions tours for the last 31 years, is hoping the next step at the course is a top-notch practice facility that could be used by Redbird teams and the community as a whole.

"It's a terrific property and we can do better things in the future," said Weibring. "I've talked to Sheahon (Zenger, ISU athletic director) about a practice facility and upgraded maintenance, all those things I'll be there to support.

"This (course) is an asset to the university. If we keep it that way and protect it and invest in it, it will be great for years and years."

Weibring said the location of a practice facility could be "a political deal." It would be to the west of the second hole where the ISU Farm currently is and, consequently, also mean moving the ISU president's house. A new tennis facility is under construction just south of the president's house off Gregory Street.

The athletic department took over operations of the golf course last year from recreation services.

"President (Al) Bowman and I have had dialogue," said Zenger about a practice facility. "It's something we as an athletic department and institution would like for several constituents - the (ISU) teams, the community both campus and Normal and Bloomington. We also like sponsoring IHSA (tournaments), and it's something that is important to them."

Zenger, though, said there is no timetable for a practice facility. D.A. Weibring/Golf Resources Group, which completed a renovation of the ISU course in 2001, drew up plans for a practice facility several years ago.

"I've felt that from Sheahon he's got a vision to improve everything at Illinois State," said Weibring. "I like that energy and trying to get better. I want be a good alumnus and support the program."

Many of Weibring's former teammates and other ex-ISU golfers were on hand Friday for the Weibring Golf Club unveiling, which was held in conjunction with the Kilborn Classic. Former ISU golf coach Harland Kilborn was instrumental in serving as manager for the Weibring Redbird Classic that for 25 years raised more than $1.5 million for the ISU golf programs.

Weibring will be honored in a pregame ceremony before today's 6:30 p.m. ISU-Murray State football contest at Hancock Stadium. A video presentation of Weibring's career will be shown at halftime.

Mayor Chris Koos proclaimed Friday as "D.A. Weibring Appreciation Day" in the Town of Normal. The portion of Gregory Street where Weibring Golf Club at ISU is located was given an honorary designation by the Normal City Council as "D.A. Weibring Drive."

Weibring joins former ISU basketball great Doug Collins as the second former Redbird athlete to have an athletic facility named about him this year as the school celebrates its 150th anniversary. Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena was named in February.

"Few graduates have returned so much to a university," said Bowman at the unveiling ceremony. "Now with naming of the Weibring Golf Club we thank D.A. for his loyalty, dedication and commitment."

Weibring met his wife, Kristy, while a student at ISU. She joined him Friday along with his mother and their two daughters, Katey and Allie. His son, Matt, was playing in a Nationwide Tour event in Utah.

Playing in a foursome with former ISU teammates Bill Kirkendall (now a business partner with Weibring Golf Resources), Doug Holloway and Brad Barker added to Weibring's enjoyment and memories Friday. Weibring also mentioned late ISU athletic director Milt Weisbecker and his Redbird coach, Rusty Wells, with influencing and shaping his life.

"I don't think it's about me, but it's about us," said Weibring. "The 'friends for life' thing has been very special for me."