Dustin Coleman Good Luck Graphic

Men's Golf Bob Shreve, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations

Coleman Steps Down as Men's Golf Coach

ERIE, Pa. – Dustin Coleman took over as Gannon's men's golf coach in the spring of 2013. Over the next 12 years Coleman built the Golden Knight program into one of the best in the Atlantic/East Region while guiding the Golden Knights to three NCAA Division II National Championship berths.
 
In later years it was a Coleman family rivalry, with his father Ron overseeing the Mercyhurst program. The elder Coleman eventually stepped down and joined his son as a volunteer assistant coach the last two years.
 
Ron Coleman and Dustin Coleman after the Atlantic/East Regional
Ron Coleman (left) and Dustin Coleman (right) with Atlantic/East Regional championship trophy. 

Now with family as a motivator, Dustin Coleman has announced he is stepping down as Gannon's men's golf coach after a highly-successful 12-year reign. He will now have an opportunity to spend more time with his two young children, Mack and Ronni and wife Taylor.
 
"Dustin has done a tremendous job leading our men's golf program," related Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard-McGuirk. "During his tenure, he has built the program into a consistent NCAA Regional contender and secured NCAA national tournament berths.  Dustin has developed a solid foundation and forward momentum, from which we will continue to build. We thank Dustin for his years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
 
Coleman departs at the height of his tenure and was just recently named the Golf Pride Grips Division II Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. He guided the Golden Knights to a berth in the NCAA Division II National Championships for the third time in four years, and in that one season in 2023, Coleman's squad fell a stroke short.
 
The Golden Knights left little doubt this May, taking the lead on the first day of the Atlantic/East Regional and eventually winning by 23 strokes. It was Gannon's second title in the regional in the last four years. Gannon would go on to finish 19th at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
 
"I've enjoyed my time at Gannon," Coleman stated. "It's been a thrill of a lifetime. After 12 seasons it's time for me to hang it up. When I started I didn't think competing at a National Championship was possible. Since then we have gone three times as a team while winning two regional championships. I also got to experience two other national championships with Matt Barto and Michael Marsico competing as individuals."
 
Thanks to a strong and balanced lineup Gannon won eight of its 13 tournaments in 2023-24. That came on the heels of an eight-win season the year before. All told Gannon won 28 tournaments during Coleman's tenure. That includes NCAA Atlantic/East Regional titles in 2021 and 2024.
 
Gannon had ten players earn All-PSAC honors under Coleman's tutelage. The Golden Knights had ten first-team All-PSAC honorees along with 11 second-team selections.
 
Coleman was named the PSAC Coach of the Year twice, following the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Abe Holmes (Barrie, Ontario/Barrie North Collegiate) was named the PSAC Athlete of the Year in 2021 and 2023, while Connor Bennink received the honor in 2022. Holmes' selection in 2021 was just the second time a Gannon golfer had earned PSAC Athlete of the Year honors. Drew Deimel won the award in 2011. In addition, Cameron Zbrzeznj (2013) and Matt Barto (2015) were selected the PSAC Freshman of the Year.
 
2024 Atlantic/East Regional champions

Several years after Coleman took over as the men's golf coach Scott Stano arrived as the women's golf coach. The two formed an outstanding one-two punch while also forming a close bond.
 
"I would like to thank Dustin for everything he's done to help me over the years," Stano commented. "We have been coaching together for the nine years I have been here. He was someone who helped greatly when I first started coaching, and he was sometimes a sounding board for me. I am going to miss him but I wish him all the best!"
 
Coleman became head coach of the program prior to the 2013 spring schedule, and guided Gannon to its first NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Regional appearance since 1989.
 
The 2020-21 season proved to be a landmark campaign for the Gannon program. In the NCAA Atlantic/East Regional at Lake View Country Club, Gannon made up a two-stroke deficit on the final day to claim the first NCAA regional championship in program history. The Golden Knights capped the memorable season with their first-ever appearance as a team in the NCAA Championships with a 10th-place finish.
 
Coleman capped the 2020-21 season with Atlantic Region Coach of the Year honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America, becoming the first coach in program history to receive the award.
 
"There are so many good memories that I can't possibly list them all," concluded Coleman. "I'm thankful for the opportunity Gannon gave me. Lastly, I want to thank my wife, Taylor, for allowing me to spend so much time away and supporting me every step of the way. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her, Mack and Ronni. Go Knights!"
 
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Players Mentioned

Abe Holmes

Abe Holmes

6' 3"
Senior
Business Analytics

Players Mentioned

Abe Holmes

Abe Holmes

6' 3"
Senior
Business Analytics