Northwest Missouri State University Director of Athletics Mel Tjeerdsma announced on Monday that Andy Peterson has been named head golf coach for the Bearcats. Peterson will retain his role as Assistant Director of Athletics for Facilities and assistant men’s basketball coach in addition to the head golf coach position.

“I am excited to be able to lead the golf program,” said Peterson. “Being the head golf coach while I was at SWCC a few years ago was something that I truly enjoyed, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to do the same here. Northwest is so special to me and having the ability to hopefully make student-athletes’ times here as enjoyable as possible is something that I cherish. I look forward to doing whatever I can for every member of our roster to have a collegiate experience for the Bearcats as rewarding and enjoyable as mine.”

The golf team at Northwest was started in 2007-08 by former head coach Pat McLaughlin. The team has 16 all-time wins and has finished third at the MIAA Championships the past three seasons.

“We were very happy to have Andy step into this position for us,” said Tjeerdsma. “Being an administrative staff member, an assistant coach and a former student-athlete, we know he brings a real passion for Bearcat Athletics into everything he does. Our golf program has had a lot of success in a relatively short amount of time. I’m confident Andy can continue the high level we’ve come to expect here at Northwest.”

Peterson, who was the golf coach at Southwestern Community College during the 2010-11 season, was a five-year student-athlete at Northwest as a member of the Bearcat men’s basketball team. He is married to the former Emily Churchman who also was a Northwest student-athlete and is currently the assistant track and field coach.

— Northwest Sports Information —