Hampton Roads Pro Eager to Build Marlins' Team
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- When Virginia Wesleyan College begins the 2012-13 intercollegiate golf season with virtually a new team, the Marlins will also be led by a new head coach.
Bryan Hearn, an Old Dominion University graduate and former assistant professional at the Greenrbier Country Club in Chesapeake, Va., will debut as the Marlins' mentor. He will face a significant challenge immediately, as graduation hit the Marlins hard. Only senior Ryan Matalon (Virginia Beach/Floyd E. Kellam) and sophomore Troy Katzer (Bay City, Texas/Bay City) are expected to return to the team.
It's a situation that could be intimidating to any coach, but Hearn has faced it unfazed. He immediately started a search for top-notch student-athletes for his program, not only for 2012, but for future seasons. Hearn's enthusiasm and positive approach have helped the new coach to move forward.
"Bryan's task is to to move our golf program to a respectable position in the ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) and ultimately regional and national prestige," said VWC Director of Athletics Joanne Renn. "He has taken the challenge and moved forward with enthusiasm. Along with that enthusiasm, comes a knowledgeable, credible golf coach. My expectation is that he will make an immediate impact on the current team and recruit men who will represent VWC well, on the course and in the classroom."
Hearn believes his nearly six years as a pro in the Hampton Roads area can only help his endeavors to find new student-athletes for the College. He has built solid relationships with area pros who can provide information on the top prep golfers in the area.
"I have great relationships with area pros Billy Judah (Red Wing), Dave Mascitti (The Pines at Elizabeth City), Damon Aswad (Greenbrier), Nathan Mitchum (Signature at Westneck), Brian Liebler (Duck Woods) and Tim Newsom (Riverfront)," said Hearn. "I would like to continue building relationships with other golf pros and high school coaches in the area as well as give back to the Hampton Roads community."
As far as Hearn is concerned, Virginia Wesleyan has the potential to have a top-notch program. The mild weather make golfing a near year-round possibility at the more than 36 courses in the Hampton Roads area, including two PGA Tour sites.
"VWC has been a sleeping giant far too long in the ODAC and its time for the conference and the nation to see that we are here to win," said Hearn. "Let it be known that no team will take us lightly from now on. Not only do I think it's possible for Virginia Wesleyan to be one of the best programs in the nation, I believe we can show it in the next several years."
--- This release is courtesy of the Virginia Wesleyan College sports information department. ---
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