UT Tyler Athletics Hires Cross Country and Golf Coaches

April 30, 2002

UT Tyler Athletics Hires Cross Country and Golf Coaches

The University of Texas at Tyler Athletics program has appointed two new coaches, Dr. Howard Patterson, interim dean of student affairs and athletics director, announced.

Matt Owings and David A. Cline will serve as cross-country and golf coaches, respectively.

Both sports will feature men's and women's teams and will begin competition in the fall.

Owings, who also is a lecturer in the UT Tyler Department of Health and Kinesiology, has been involved in running for almost 20 years. Having run 11 marathons, he has trained adult runners and assisted in instructing an adult marathon training program.

"Anytime an experienced teacher and accomplished runner can be hired as a head coach, it is a big plus. Matt has been running for nearly 18 years and understands the sport of cross-country. More importantly, Coach Owings understands the importance of a quality higher education and the role cross country and all of the athletics programs at UT Tyler play. Coach Owings is an educator who has a passion for running. We are fortunate to have him on the UT Tyler teaching, and now coaching, staff," Dr. Patterson said.

Owings is currently recruiting student athletes. Anyone interested in learning more about, or trying out for, the UT Tyler cross-country team should contact Owings at (903) 566-5615.

"My philosophy of coaching is that a coach is an educator who is helping athletes not only to be competitive, but also to develop a lifelong love for physical activity and sport for both recreation and health," Owings said.

He suggests a summer running program for prospective participants and the team will begin regular training in the fall.

Owings holds a master of science degree in kinesiology from UT Tyler and a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from UT Austin. Owings is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and is certified in post-rehabilitation exercise.

Owner and operator of Tyler Family Golf Center, Cline has served as golf coach at All Saints Episcopal School and taught golf classes for the Tyler Junior College Department of Physical Education since 1999.

"I have been involved in the sport of golf for 21 years, and I thoroughly enjoy helping golfers develop their game. I am excited to be a part of the new UT Tyler program and the opportunity it brings to work with the students in the development of patience and confidence which are key to a strong game," Cline said.

He is director of Tyler's Junior Golf League and sponsored and formed junior golf camps and tournaments through the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department.

"David is an excellent teacher of the game of golf. He has helped many highly successful East Texas golfers become better players. He has a very strong love for the game of golf and is an excellent addition to UT Tyler," Dr. Patterson said.

Cline coordinated junior golf programs in College Station for 10 years and was assistant superintendent of golf course operations for Briarcrest Country Club in Bryan.

Cline holds a bachelor of business administration degree from Texas A&M University.

Student athletes also are being recruited for the men's and women's golf teams, which begins competition this fall. Interested student athletes should contact Cline at (903) 566-7105.

For more information about UT Tyler athletics, contact Dr. Patterson at (903) 566-7350.