WICHITA – Newman University Athletics announced Lon Flippo as its new head coach for the men's and women's golf programs on Monday.

"We are excited for the direction that Lon can take the program" said Director of Athletics, Joanna Pryor. He brings great perspective that will help our department flourish."

Flippo previously served as the head coach of North Central University's men's golf team, where he served a six-year tenure. Before coming to North Central, Flippo was the lead pastor at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kan. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Springfield, Mo.) in 2012. In 1989, Flippo earned an M.A. in Communications from Missouri State University (Springfield, Mo.) after earning his B.S. in Communications at Evangel University (Springfield, Mo.). He also earned an M.A. in Biblical Literature from AGTS in 1987.

During his time at NCU, Lon trained several ranked UMAC and NCCAA competitors on top of building an outstanding roster of golfers. In the 2021 season alone, he had four All-UMAC honorees, a UMAC Rookie of the Year, and a 2nd place finish at the UMAC Championships (the highest UMAC finish in 11 years). Perhaps his biggest accomplishment of the season was being named UMAC Coach of the Year for the first time. On the NCCAA side of things, Lon's team of golfers earned an at large bid for the National Championship, which had not been done since 2010.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join Newman Athletics," said Flippo. "There's a rich golf tradition at Newman both in the Wichita area and the regional reach of the University. My desire is to connect with our alumni community and our Newman partners to build holistic athletes in life and golf as we compete in the MIAA."

The men's season begins with the Lincoln Invitational in Sunrise Beach, Missouri on September 11^th, while the women begin their campaign on the road at Northeastern State on September 10^th.