Men's Golf 4/29/2019 6:23:00 PM CU Athletics

Jim Ward named Mid-South Conference Men's Golf Coach of the Year

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — For the first time in his career, Campbellsville University's Jim Ward was named the Mid-South Conference Men's Golf Coach of the Year, officials announced on Monday night at the awards banquet.

The Coach of the Year honor is the third in CU's history as the late P.J. Throckmorton earned the honor, which is voted upon by their peers, in 2005-06 and 2007-08.

Ward has flipped the Tigers from being in the bottom half of the Mid-South Conference to just three strokes out of the lead of the championship after Round 1 in 2019. Last season, the Tigers placed seventh in the MSC Fall Invitational and Spring Invitational and fifth in the championship.

The Tigers turned their game around this year, though. After placing fourth in the 2018 Fall Invite by only five strokes, Campbellsville won the 36-hole spring event just two weeks ago.

CU is seeking their first MSC title since 2008 when Coach Throckmorton won the championship in 2006 and 2008 – the same years he was named Coach of the Year.

"I am thrilled for Jim to be voted by his peers as the Coach of the Year in the Mid-South Conference," said Director of Athletics, Jim Hardy. "He and Casey (Young) have worked hard to build the CU golf team into one that has earned the respect of both conference teams and NAIA top programs. Congratulations Jim and we are very glad you are part of our Tiger family."

Recruiting has been the difference maker the last few seasons. Ward and assistant Coach Casey Young were hired in the fall of 2015 and have turned the program around. Halen Stamper is the lone senior on the team and Justin Warman, a junior and a part of the first recruiting class for Ward and Young, has been the No. 1 the last three years.

In addition, 12 of the 15 roster members are all underclassmen that have been signed by Ward and Young. During this week's championship, freshmen Seth Bohl, Jon Brewington and Landon Connor join sophomore Austin Mahoney in the Top 10 after the opening round.

"Jim is well deserving of this award because he is one of the hardest working coaches I have had the privilege to work with," said Young. He cares about his players and helping mold their golf game. However, more importantly, he cares about them as students, young men, future fathers, husbands, world changers and helps keep them accountable for their actions. He is fair and consistent with discipline and the players respect him because he has the best type of leadership style: he leads by example. Any program would be grateful to have a coach like Jim Ward."

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Players Mentioned

Austin Mahoney: Sophomore; Madison, Ind.

Halen Stamper: Senior; Paris, Ky.

Justin Warman: Junior; Georgetown, Ky.

Jon Brewington: Freshman; Glasgow, Ky.

Seth Bohl: Freshman; Barbourville, Ky.

Landon Conner: Freshman; Madison, Ind.

Players Mentioned

Austin Mahoney
: Sophomore; Madison, Ind.

Halen Stamper
: Senior; Paris, Ky.

Justin Warman
: Junior; Georgetown, Ky.

Jon Brewington
: Freshman; Glasgow, Ky.

Seth Bohl
: Freshman; Barbourville, Ky.

Landon Conner
: Freshman; Madison, Ind.