May 7, 2008

University of Dayton men's golf coach Drew Tyrer announced his resignation after parts of three seasons as the head coach. Tyrer leaves UD to focus on a career in health care administration.

"This was not a decision I made lightly, but it's a career move that will greatly benefit myself and my family," Tyrer said. "I have been truly blessed to coach for my alma mater. The University of Dayton has done so much for me in my personal and professional life."

Tyrer's resignation follows Dayton's second place finish in the Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Championship, the best in the program's history. Prior to the 2008 tournament, UD's best finish in the A-10's was fourth.

"After considering it for a while, I made the decision to step down a couple of weeks ago," Tyrer explained. "But I kept it quiet because I did not want this to be a distraction for our players heading into finals and the conference tournament."

"What our young men accomplished this season was unbelievable," Tyrer said. "The Atlantic 10 Tournament was very special and the second place finish will open many doors for the program. I am so proud of their efforts."

Junior Rob Chappell led UD to its second place A-10 finish and became the first Flyer in the program's history to win the Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Championship and become the Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year. Chris Woeste was also selected to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team and named the conference's Rookie of the Year. Woeste is the second Flyer in three years to earn the Rookie honor (Chappell accomplished the feat in 2006).

Tyrer guided the Flyers as a head coach for two full seasons and a part of the 2005-06 campaign. In 2007-08 UD placed in the Top 10 at six events and had three Flyers, Chappell, Zach Glassman and Ian Gilley, earn Atlantic 10 Player and Rookie of the Week honors.

During the 2006-07 season Tyrer led the Flyers to three Top 10 finishes, including an eighth place finish at the Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Championship. Tyrer also coached John Zaller who was named an ESPN Academic All-American and on the 2007 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference men's golf team.

An emphasis on academics had been one of Tyrer's trademarks during his coaching tenure. Dayton men's golf has recorded a perfect APR in each of the last three years and ranks as one of just 51 men's golf programs nationally with a perfect score in 2008.

In addition the Flyers also maintained a 3.16 team grade point average for the 2007-08 season with three Dean's List members and 67 percent of the team have cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Prior to his coaching tenure Tyrer was a standout golfer at UD where he was a four-year letterman and three-time captain of the golf team.

"I must thank Ted Kissell (UD's Vice-President and Director of Athletics) for giving me the opportunity to work within the Division of Athletics," said Tyrer. "It has been truly a privilege and an honor to work with such high-character student-athletes over the previous three years. I will truly miss working with them on a daily basis, along with the UD Athletics staff. I really appreciate the support of our alumni as well, and I hope they continue to be engaged with the success of the program."

Tyrer leaves the program in a solid position with all nine players returning for next season.

"We're indebted to Drew for the job he did as our golf coach," Kissell said. "He lifted our program to a new level, and he did it `The Dayton Way,' by recruiting student-athletes who are skilled, hard-working and of high character. We wish Drew the best of luck as he embarks on his career."

A search for Tyrer's successor as UD's men's golf coach will begin immediately.