Takes Over Following Retirement of Dr. Kuchler
LYNCHBURG, Va. --- The Lynchburg College athletic
department announced Friday that Dr. Stephen P. Smith will take
over the Hornet golf program next season. Former head mentor Dr.
Bill Kuchler announced his retirement from active coaching this
spring after five seasons directing the program. He will stay with
the College, continuing as an associate professor of sports
management.
Smith, a 1997 LC graduate, has served as an assistant coach for 14
seasons with various teams, including the last five with the golf
program. He assisted for seven years with the LC baseball squad
after graduation, and also worked as the strength and conditioning
coach for the cross country and track & field teams. Smith will
continue to head the department's athletic game administration
program, aimed at fostering a positive environment at all home
contests. He is an assistant professor of health and physical
education at Lynchburg and earned his master's degree from LC and
his doctorate from the University of Virginia.
"Bill has done a wonderful job with the golf team and we thank him
for his leadership the last five seasons," said Dr. Jack Toms, LC
director of athletics. "We take great pride in this program and
believe Steve can step in and continue our improvement and climb
towards the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. He is very
well respected due to his extensive experience at LC. "
The Hornets will lose just one player to graduation and two of
three all-conference performers are slated to return. LC finished
strong at the ODAC Championship Tournament in April, taking fourth
place.
"We have a great group of experienced student-athletes coming back,
so we look forward to an outstanding season," said Smith. "Bill
left this program in very good shape, and I'd like to build off his
success and elevate this team to the next level. It is also
exciting to have the opportunity to serve as head coach after
working as an assistant for 14 years in various sports."
This release is courtesy of the Lynchburg College
sports information department.