RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech University Director of Athletics Abby Davis has announced the hiring of former NGA Tour competitor and current pro-certified instructor Josh Spangler as the head coach of Tech's men's and women's golf programs.
"Our men's and women's golf programs both have storied histories of success with numerous championships won at all levels," remarked Davis. "It is important for us to honor that past while also maintaining the success of both programs with the right leader in charge as head coach. We believe that have that in Coach Spangler and are excited to see where he leads the programs this coming year and beyond."
A native of Conway, Spangler comes to Tech from nearby Hendrix College where he recently started his collegiate coaching career. This past year, Spangler served as an assistant coach of both men's and women's golf and made an immediate impact on both programs. Prior to his appointment at Tech, Spangler was promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.
On the men's side, Spangler helped the Warriors rewrite their record books by breaking numerous scoring records including lowest team round and lowest individual round. Both of those records were set at the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Championship in late April.
The Hendrix men also showed an ability to play up in competition as they competed in an otherwise all-DII event at the Natural State Classic, hosted by Harding, this past spring. At that event, Hendrix had two of their golfers place in the top-25 with one inside the top-10. Additionally, under the tutelage of Spangler, the men's program also had their first all-conference golfer in over 30 years.
"It is a dream come true and an honor to be here at Tech," remarked Spangler. "This is a great opportunity to lead a pair of golf programs with rich history. I'd like to thank my wife, Tiffany, for her support as I chased my dreams over the years. I also want to thank AD Abby Davis for giving me this opportunity, and former women's golf coach Amy Anderson for her guidance and support."
"I understand the commitment that's been made to myself and the golf programs at Tech and we will strive to meet expectations," continued Spangler. "In our programs, we will use every day to make ourselves and our team better on and off the course. I truly believe in creating a family-like atmosphere and representing the brand that is Arkansas Tech. I am looking forward to growing community bonds and support for our student-athletes. Fight On!"
Prior to breaking into the collegiate coaching ranks, Spangler spent a decade as a private instructor working with junior golfers throughout Arkansas. A Hank Haney pro-certified instructor, Spangler taught all aspects of the game of golf including swing, course management, scoring, short game and mental approach.
Additionally, Spangler would assist his students with tournament entry and scheduling while also promoting them for college recruiting, of which, two have signed to play collegiate golf. He has assisted the Southern States Junior Classics Golf Tour through promoting in the state of Arkansas and has had several of his juniors compete and play for the Notah Begay Junior National Championships.
